Dictionary

Words on this page

Anglican

Anglicans form the family of Christians closely related to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Whilst tracing their inheritance back to Christ and the earliest Christians and to the ancient Roman Catholic church, the sixteenth century Reformation was a crucial moment for Anglicanism.

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.

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.

Llandaff Centre of Mission

A partnership between the Diocese of Llandaff and Church Army.

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 About us Partnerships

Partnerships

Bishop June and Bishop Karin signing a document — Bishop Karin and Bishop June sign the Uppsala and Llandaff partnership agreement

Llandaff and Uppsala

The bishops of Llandaff and Uppsala met at a Porvoo Conference and decided to explore the possibility of a formal link between the two dioceses. The Porvoo Churches is a gathering of Anglican and Lutheran churches mainly from Britain, Scandinavia, and the Baltic. The Porvoo Communion was established in 1992 with full communion between all the churches. The Church of Sweden were founder members, and the Church in Wales became part of the Porvoo Communion in 1995.

This led to the signing of the first agreement between the dioceses in 2006. The agreement was recently renewed on 14th May 2022 during a special service at Margam Abbey. The new Partnership Agreement which will run until 2025.

Both Llandaff and Uppsala encourage Ministry Areas to forge closer links with each other and already there are several strong connections, with more being forged all the time. Exchange visits between Ministry Areas take place, as well as those between diocesan officers. At present the diocese is exploring musical links as well as links between centers of theological training for ministry in Uppsala and at St Padarn’s Institute.

Three men in a church in Sweden — Diocesan officers visit Uppsala (2022)

There is much to learn from one another, and exchange visits are at the heart of the relationship. Visitors are responsible for the cost of travelling, whilst the hosts look after any costs while the visitors are with them. With Ministry Area exchanges, the visitors will stay with church members in the host church. Those hosting will transport their visitors using cars rather than hiring a minibus with the extra cost that would bring. Attention to details such as this is important when considering linking with a parish. Close friendships have been forged through these links and many blessings received.

Four men watching a lecture — Diocesan officers visit an iconographer in Uppsala

If you would like more information about forming a link with another parish, please contact Canon Martyn Davies, Llandaff Diocesan World Partnerships Officer and East Vale Ministry Area Leader. Canon Martyn is also happy to come and speak to Ministry Areas about the Partnership Agreement between our two dioceses.

martyndavies@churchinwales.org.uk

(01446) 760498