Union of Welsh Independents

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

Union of Welsh Independents
Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg
Logo of the Union of Welsh Independents (Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg).
Logo of the Union of Welsh Independents
(Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg).
ClassificationProtestant
OrientationReformed
PolityCongregationalist
Llywydd (president)Beti-Wyn James
Secretary GeneralDyfrig Rees
Distinct fellowshipsCongregational Federation
AssociationsWorld Communion of Reformed Churches,
International Congregational Fellowship,
Council for World Mission,
World Council of Churches
Cytûn
RegionWales
Congregations400 (2021)
Members31,000 (2006)
Official websitehttp://www.annibynwyr.org/

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 2006 it had 16 associations of churches, 450 congregations, 31,000 members and about 107 ministers. Its worship services are held primarily in the Welsh language.[3]

According to the latest statistics in 2021 it had over 400 congregations.[4] The president is Beti-Wyn James.[5]

Blaen y coed Welsh Independent Church

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. January 1967.
  2. www.cwmeurope.org/en/about-cwm-europe/union-of-welsh-independents Archived August 31, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  3. www.annibynwyr.org/aboutus/index.html Archived October 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  4. "Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg". annibynwyr.org. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  5. "Union of Welsh Independents welcomes Beti Wyn as the new President". Twitter (in Welsh).
  6. "Member Churches :: World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC)". Archived from the original on April 12, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  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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