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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.

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’).

Eucharist

‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’. At the Eucharist the Church remembers Jesus’ last supper where he gave bread and wine to be his body and blood, a sign of his saving love. See also Holy Communion.

Llandaff Centre of Mission

A partnership between the Diocese of Llandaff and Church Army.

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Home News and Blogs Pulling Together at This Year's Diocesan Conference

Pulling Together at This Year's Diocesan Conference

News Posted: 29 September 2025

This year’s Diocesan Conference was a powerful celebration of unity, shared purpose, and spiritual renewal. Held under the theme Pulling Together, inspired by Hebrews 10:24–25—“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another”.

The event brought together clergy and laity from across the Diocese in a spirit of fellowship and encouragement.

The day began with a welcome from Bishop Mary, before our guest speakers offered deeply moving reflections on the nature of ministry and mission. The Rev’d Trystan Owain Hughes, Director of Ministry Development for the Church in Wales, spoke of ministry as a pilgrimage, a shared journey of faith. Drawing on his own recent pilgrimage across North Wales, he reminded us that ministry is not a solo endeavour but a communal path, marked by companionship, challenge, and grace.

Mandy Bayton, Director of Mission for the Swansea and Brecon Diocese, brought the theme into everyday focus. She urged us to consider what pulling together looks like in the context of daily ministry not just in grand gestures, but in small acts of love that ripple outward. She encouraged delegates to think about how we become a church that genuinely reaches out to those on society’s margins, embodying Christ’s compassion and justice. Discussion groups and conversations throughout the day allowed participants to exchange resources, offer support, and build lasting connections.

The conference was also a joyful opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist together, grounding our shared mission in prayer and thanksgiving. The music during the service was provided by our Chief Operating Officer Dominic Jewel on violin and the Head of Education, Clare Werrett, on piano. Their performance set a tone of harmony and collaboration, reminding us that when we bring our gifts together, we create something truly uplifting.

As we return to our Ministry Areas and communities, we carry forward the spirit of this gathering, pulling together in love, service, and faith. For as Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”