The Evangelical Alliance has produced a report showing the impact that faith communities are having in Wales.
The Faith in Wales report suggests that faith communities contribute not less than £250 million to the Welsh economy every 12 months, representing a 49 per cent increase from when the report was first and last published, in 2008, accounting for inflation.
The report also indicated that almost all faith communities in Wales (97 per cent) engage in social motion initiatives. The role of places of worship as essential community centres was also highlighted.
The majority of social motion initiatives are centred on family and social support, although greater than half (52 per cent) of religion communities provide health support and food bank services.
Just under a 3rd of religion communities (29 per cent) are involved in tackling homelessness and in promoting green initiatives. Nearly 1 / 4 (22 per cent) of religion communities provide assistance and support to people battling debt.
Rev Canon Tim Rowlands, head of the Evangelical Alliance in Wales, said, “This report is incredibly encouraging for faith communities, demonstrating their essential and positive contribution to the lives of so many individuals.
“I hope it’ll prove a helpful incentive towards further collaboration between faith communities and policymakers, while also providing information to help faith communities of their planning and repair delivery.”
The launch of the report was attended by Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip for the Welsh government.
She said, “Faith is very important to so many individuals in Wales. Our faith communities help their local areas in some ways, promoting equality, social inclusion and community cohesion.
“As a government we value the input from our faith communities, as a part of a variety of perspectives that are crucial to policy development.
“I welcome this report, which highlights our shared values of diversity, inclusivity and supporting the vulnerable.”
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