The Church in Wales is to speculate nearly £10m in numerous latest projects aimed toward increasing church attendance.
Multi-million pound grants might be split across projects in north-east Wales, Swansea and Monmouthshire.
The grants are a part of the Church in Wales’ wider £100m investment in schemes to spice up evangelism because it grapples with declining attendance.
The latest Census in 2021 revealed that the number of individuals identifying as Christian in Wales fell from 57.6% in 2011 to 43.6% in 2021, while the number of non secular “nones” grew from 32.1% in 2011.
John Hayward’s Church Growth Modelling project predicts that if current trends proceed, the Church in Wales might be extinct by 2038.
Projects to be supported by the Church in Wales grants include a £2.8m plan to show St Mary’s Church in Swansea into the primary minster church in Wales next 12 months. The title of ‘minster church’ is given to large or essential churches, especially collegiate or cathedral churches.
Vicar of St Mary’s, Canon Justin Davies, said: “We are delighted and excited that the Church in Wales has announced significant investment in St Mary’s Church which sits in the guts of the second city of Wales.
“This will enable the employment of latest members of staff, each clergy and lay staff, increasing our ability to serve the Swansea city centre community, be they residents, staff, visitors, refugees or the homeless.
“We might be creating latest meeting rooms and offices, young people’s secure spaces and latest worship facilities, allowing a wider and more diverse range of worship to happen.
“We will welcome visitors with a variety of activities to explore St Mary’s, the history of Swansea and its people who we hold inside.”
The Church in Wales said the plan would create jobs and “safeguard the long run of the Swansea landmark”.
In St Asaph diocese, six latest ‘Mission Hub Churches’ are being created with a concentrate on outreach. Also in St Asaph diocese, pioneer missioners will work to drive mission and growth in rural areas, while supporting existing congregations.
The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Rev Gregory Cameron said: “I’m excited to see the Church in Wales backing the great work we’re doing in Saint Asaph to renew and develop our Church life.
“Churches could be a centre of religion, hope and love in all our communities, and these initiatives underline and cement our commitment to serve the people of north east and mid Wales effectively.”
In Monmouth diocese, £1m is being invested to assist churches strengthen their relationships with schools and take their engagement with children beyond school assemblies.
The Ven Ian Rees, Archdeacon of Monmouth & Diocesan Director of Ministry & Discipleship, said: “The school engagement pioneers are a extremely exciting latest enterprise for the diocese and its work with schools, young people and families.
“Four ministry areas were successful of their application for a pioneer and we’re sure that, working along with those ministry areas, they’ll help to develop vibrant latest worshipping communities and in addition help to enthuse and energise other congregations in those ministry areas as well.”
Isabel Thompson, Diocesan Secretary, said: “This extra investment for schools and families’ ministry is basically exciting news for the diocese. We are looking forward to keeping everyone up thus far with news of our latest projects, as we watch these latest worshipping communities grow.”
The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd. Andrew John, said: “The Church Growth Fund represents a transformative step forward in our mission to achieve communities across Wales with the love and hope of the Gospel. This significant investment will enable churches to grow, innovate and develop into vibrant centres of religion. I’m excited to witness the gospel in motion and the positive impact we are going to make in our communities due to our significant investment in evangelism.”
