Union of Welsh Independents

The Union of Welsh Independents (Welsh: Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg) is a Reformed congregationalist denomination in Wales.

History
St Mary's church (Anglican) and Capel Sul (Independent) in Kidwelly

Welsh congregational churches or Independents stand in the Puritan tradition. The first congregational congregation was founded at Llanfaches in 1639. Early founders were in the puritan tradition. Later several churches were founded and formed separate denominations. They embraced different theological positions. Finally the denomination was founded in 1872 as a voluntary association of churches. They called it Independent because each congregation claims to be under the authority of Christ. Individual congregations cooperate through associations. Now the Union works through six departments: finance, mission, ministry, education, churches, communication. The Union churches have much in common with other free churches in Wales. Ministers can freely move their ministry among them. The Unions council met once a year. The Union is a free and voluntary body, its aims to help to make churches a fellowship that serve Jesus Christ.[1] The church has high emphasis on preaching the Gospel, and education, empowering church members. The denomination currently is working on a new mission strategy, the AGAPE program, started in 2005. The latest strategy is the Welsh Independents Development Programme.[2]

Statistics

In 2004 it had 12 associations of churches and 500 congregations and 34,884 members.[3] Now it has 450 churches, 31,000 members and 16 associations and about 107 ministers in 2006. The worship service are primary in Welsh language.[4]

According to the latest statistics it has 23,000 members in 430 congregations served by 80 pastors.[2] The president is Rev. J. Ronald Williams.[5]

Interchurch relations

The Union is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.[6] Also a member in the International Congregational Fellowship,[7] Council for World Mission[8] and the World Council of Churches.

It has friendly relations with the Congregational Federation.[9]

References
  1. "Union of Welsh Independents — World Council of Churches". www.oikoumene.org.
  2. www.cwmeurope.org/en/about-cwm-europe/union-of-welsh-independents Archived August 31, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  3. Fasse, Christoph. "Address data base of Reformed churches and institutions". www.reformiert-online.net.
  4. www.annibynwyr.org/aboutus/index.html Archived October 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  5. www.annibynwyr.org/aboutus/llywydd.html Archived July 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 12, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "Jewelry Reviews". www.intercong.org.
  8. www.cwmission.org/churches/europe-region/ Archived October 24, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  9. "The Congregational Federation in Wales - what is it?". www.cfwales.org.uk.
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