Dictionary

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Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Deacon

‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Theological

‘Theology’ means literally ‘words about God’. Christian theology involves our trying to understand and explain what God has revealed about himself through Scripture. This work is aided by the writings of past and present theologians and human reason.

Home News and events New archdeacon appointed

New archdeacon appointed

Monmouth news Posted: 28 March 2021

Reverend Canon Ian Rees will be joining the Diocese of Monmouth as Archdeacon of Monmouth and Director of Ministry and Discipleship.

Ian is Rector of Central Swansea and currently serving as a Canon in Brecon Cathedral and Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations.

The Right Reverend Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, says: “I am delighted that Ian has accepted the post of Archdeacon of Monmouth and Director of Ministry. Ian brings with him a breadth and depth of understanding of the Church in Wales and its distinctive history and culture. With six years’ experience as a Ministry Area Leader, he understands first-hand the benefits of working collaboratively and in teams and is well placed to guide and support the churches of the Monmouth Archdeaconry as we establish our Ministry Areas here.

“Ian also has a range of experience in formation and discipleship that will be invaluable as he leads our Diocesan Ministry Team as Director of Ministry. Ian will be a tremendous asset in both roles and I look forward very much to working with him as we seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in bringing fresh energy and purpose to the life of the church at both local and diocesan level.”

Born in Dinas Powys, church has been part of Ian’s life from a young age. He started his working life in the insurance industry, but was called to ordained ministry and began his training in 1998. He was ordained Deacon in 2000 and Priest in 2001, both at Llandaff Cathedral.

Accepting his new role, Ian says, “I am both excited and honoured to be joining Monmouth diocese at this time and taking on this role as we look forward to many challenges, but also I think, many opportunities to explore a vision for the church which is full of hope for now and the future as we are inspired and encouraged to explore the gifts we have in the diocese.”

Biography:

Ian began his working life as part of the management development programme at Commercial Union and later worked as a Commercial Insurance Broker, specialising in business insurances.

In 1998 Ian began training for the ordained ministry at St Michael's College in Llandaff and was ordained Deacon in 2000 and Priest in 2001, both at Llandaff Cathedral.

He served in Barry, Grangetown and Pyle in Llandaff diocese before moving to Swansea and Brecon diocese where he has served in Llandrindod, Gowerton and, since June 2016, in Central Swansea. He was made a Canon in Brecon Cathedral in April 2016.

He also serves as the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations, having previously been the Bishop’s Officer for Lay Ministry training and development. He also looks after training in the diocese for those in the first 3 years of ordained or licensed ministry and has worked together with other Ministry Officers across the Province on various projects relating to ministry and discipleship.

He is married to Helen, who is a tutor at St Padarn’s (the Theological Training centre for the Church in Wales) and they have a step-daughter Jessica, son in law Gary and three grandchildren, Jack, Ryan and Katie.

Ian is a keen sports follower, particularly rugby, football and cricket.