[ACNS, by Rachel Farmer] A hymn writing competition has been launched to help mark the centenary of the Church in Wales which will be celebrated across all its dioceses next year.

The Diocese of St Davids is inviting entries to find a new liturgical hymn to celebrate the 100th anniversary and that of the Church in Wales in 2020.

Communications Officer, David Hammond-Williams said: “Hymns are an integral part of church liturgy, so this is a natural choice to try and help people engage with the celebrations. We have a big tradition of singing in Wales and the hope is that this might help us leave a musical legacy for the future.”

Anyone within the Anglican Communion can enter the competition, which won’t be restricted to those living in the diocese. The hymn must be new words set to an existing tune or new words set to a new tune.

Mr Hammond said: “We have some fantastically well qualified musicians in the diocese and I’m hoping some of them will take part. We look forward to entries flooding in.”

Competition guidelines state that the hymn entry should be celebratory in tone, giving thanks to God for the past 100 years and praying for His grace in the years ahead. “It should be suitable for congregational hymn singing,” added Mr Hammond.

The competition includes two categories: an open category and one reserved for entries from Church in Wales schools. Entries by multiple authors will be accepted and there is no entry fee.

The organisers hope that the winning entry will be included in the order of service for the diocesan centenary service in St Davids Cathedral.

Entries can be submitted electronically or by post. The closing date for entries Is March 1st 2020 Electronic submissions should be sent to [email protected]  

For full details see the St Davids Diocesan website:  https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk