Annual Report 2017[6748]

The Diocese of Swansea & Brecon
Abridged Minutes of a meeting of the Diocesan Conference
held on 14 th October 2017 at Brecon Cathedral
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2017
1. Archbishop John welcomed those present, especially those who had come to give presentations, those
organisations who had brought displays, and new members. The Cathedral and Diocesan Office staff were
thanked for preparing for the Conference. A period of stillness and prayer followed.
i. Board for Social Responsibility: It was noted that Communities First funding for Faith in Families is to
cease, leading to a significant risk of staff redundancies and the closure of some of the Family Centres. The
Conference was asked to express its concerns about this. The following motion was proposed by ++John
and seconded by the Archdeacon of Brecon:
This Conference (i) affirms its full support for the Faith in Families initiative, (ii) regrets the
reduction in support from external partners which places that initiative in jeopardy, and (iii) urges
those partners and others to work with us to explore possible alternatives to secure the initiative’s
future”.
Dr Gill Todd commended the trustees and staff of Faith in Families for the professional job they do and
expressed the concern of the Audit Committee over the implications of the funding withdrawal. Canon
Padraig Gallagher clarified that although redundancy notices had been issued this would most likely lead
to a slimmed-down workforce rather than centre closures.
The motion was carried nem. con.
There was no further formal business.
2. Archbishop’s Address: ++John addressed the Conference on the continuing need to face change both
within the church and in the world. The example of the early church, in sharing gifts and working together was
commended. A renewed emphasis on evangelism was beginning to emerge. He repeated the permission he
had previously given for experimentation with new ideas and methods of working. Buildings continue to be a
pressing concern. 34% of total parish income was spent on buildings in 2016, compared with 4% on outreach.
3. Presentations:
i. Liz Parry gave a presentation on the Brecon St Mary’s Community Review, which led to a reordering, the
creation of a community café, and the transformation of the building from a fortress into a place of
hospitality and welcome.
ii.
iii.
Sharon Lee, Director of Housing Justice Cymru, gave a presentation on the work of HJC. Particular
attention was given to the campaigning and lobby role the organisation has at national level, and the
ways in which local churches can work for good in the area of homelessness.
Wendy Coombey, Community Partnership & Funding Officer for the Diocese of Hereford, gave a
presentation on her work in supporting the churches of her diocese. Particular attention was given to
finding new ways of using church buildings, and practical guidance in the development of projects and
attracting funding.
++John thanked all three speakers for the quality of their presentations.
4. Closing Remarks: ++John summarised the business of the day and concluded the meeting with prayer.
Sian Gwynn
Parish of Killay St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church Diocese of Swansea and Brecon Page !7