The Anglican Communion, churches overseas and the needs of the Persecuted Church were major themes at the Governing Body meeting in the Church in Wales on September 4-5.   

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo attended, giving a sermon at the Opening Eucharist. He also gave an address about the work of the Anglican Communion Office (ACO) and life of the Anglican Communion.    

The Church in Wales is one of the 42 provinces across the world that make up the Anglican Communion. This was the Secretary General's first visit to the Province.

Speaking about the Governing Body Meeting the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John said, “The Church in Wales serves our nation but we are also privileged to be part of a global community of churches called the Anglican Communion. Over the years we have built up partnerships and links with churches overseas, which have richly blessed us and developed an important international perspective to our ministry. I am delighted to welcome Bishop Anthony to our Governing Body meeting and am looking forward to hearing his thoughts on the priorities of the Anglican Communion and how the Church in Wales can continue to play its part."  

Governing Body Members also heard about the work of the Open Doors charity in helping persecuted Christians and those unable to practice their faith freely. Jim Stewart, the charity’s Wales Church Relations Manager, gave a presentation on the charity’s progress.   

About the presentation from Open Doors, The Archbishop said, “As an international church, we are also acutely aware of how difficult it is for many Christians to live or worship in some places, as they face persecution and danger because of their faith... I hope these two presentations will remind the Church in Wales of our role and responsibilities to our international neighbours, particularly at this time when it seems tensions are growing across the world.”  

Summarising his visit to the Church in Wales, Bishop Anthony Poggo said, "The Church in Wales is an important part of our global Anglican family. I commend their work on environmental care, gender equality and the role many of their members play in Anglican networks and commissions. It was important to give time to discuss the needs of the persecuted church and hear more about the ministry of Open Doors. Let us continue to pray and advocate for our Christian sisters and brothers around the globe who are striving for the right to practice their faith freely. May we, as an Anglican Communion do all that we can to stand with them in their struggle." 

The Governing Body is made up of up to 144 elected clergy and lay people from across Wales, representing all the Church’s six dioceses, and includes all the bishops. Other items on the meeting’s agenda over the two days included:   

• A keynote address by the Archbishop of Wales as President of the Governing Body; 
• The launch of the Bishops’ Advent course, O Come Let Us Adore Him; 
• A recommendation to amend the working hours and holidays of clergy to improve their work/life balance and was officially passed.  

Learn more about the ministry of the Church in Wales here.