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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.

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‘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’).

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Home News and Blogs New team for historic Margam Abbey

New team for historic Margam Abbey

News Posted: 28 April 2022

A husband and wife clergy team has been appointed to Margam Abbey to revitalise its future as a place of worship and heritage centre.

Ruth and Mark Greenaway-Robbins — Mark and Ruth Greenaway-Robbins

Rev'd Mark Greenaway-Robbins, currently Ministry Area Leader for the Caerphilly and Aber Valley Ministry Area has been appointed Vicar of Margam Abbey and his wife Ruth Greenaway-Robbins, currently an ordinand at St Padarn's College, will become a curate for Margam Ministry Area.

Ruth and Mark will work closely with the diocese of Llandaff to create a new identity for the Abbey, one that will ensure it has a vibrant and sustainable future. The revitalisation plan will focus Margam Abbey as a place of worship while growing its identity as a Welsh Anglican heritage centre and a place of learning and spiritual enrichment.

Ruth Greenaway-Robbins, who will be ordained in June, says, "I am so excited to be moving to the Margam Ministry Area. It is such a precious time as I and my ordinand colleagues embark on ministry in the Church in Wales. My time at St. Padarn’s has given me an even deeper heart for pioneering mission within the sacramental tradition. Always at the centre of my prayers is how we can open the way for people to come to know God in their lives and how the church can serve them through the sacraments, worship, and the beauty of holiness.

"The plans and vision for the Abbey at Margam are a unique opportunity to live this out through hospitality, the arts and wellbeing."

Rev'd Mark says, "I am thrilled at the opportunity to journey with the Abbey at Margam into a new future. My hope is that we will discover new riches in being grounded in the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ as we seek to engage through hospitality, the arts, and wellbeing.

"I believe the Abbey has a calling to be a centre of excellence for pioneering sacramental Christianity. It is a people and a place for resourcing the soul."

The Venerable Mike Komor, Archdeacon of Margam, says, "Ruth and Mark are ideally suited to Margam Abbey. They bring to bear experience in previous parishes, both in the UK and in Canada, in such a way as to be able to develop the potential for Margam Abbey to be a wonderful resource not just for the Margam Ministry Area, but also for the diocese."

Looking ahead to the future, Ruth and Mark are keen to strengthen the Celtic and Cistercian tradition of the Abbey, "We are delighted to be asked to bring together our experience and passion for pioneering sacramental Christianity in collaboration with the Abbey, its friends, and partners. Our aim will be to honour the rich Celtic, and Cistercian, heritage at the Abbey whilst innovating for the future."