Dictionary

Words on this page

Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

The Diocese of St Davids

Welcome to the Diocese of St Davids, named after Wales’ patron saint whose cathedral in Pembrokeshire is one of the jewels of the nation. The diocese also covers the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire including the western industrial valleys and the town of Llanelli.

Bishop Dorrien's election is confirmed

Sacred Synod Group Photo

The election of Dorrien Davies as the next - and 130th - Bishop of St Davids has been confirmed at a Sacred Synod, held in Eglwys Dewi Sant in Cardiff.

It's a fundamental legal procedure that must be held in public. It ensures the election - held in October - met the requirements of the Church in Wales constitution and that the Bishop-elect himself is eligible and fulfils the requirements of the Canon Law of the Church.

The ceremony offers an opportunity for anyone objecting the the appointment to be heard. There were none, whereupon the election was duly confirmed by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, on behalf of the Bench of Bishops.

The successful completion of the Sacred Synod means that Bishop Dorrien assumes not only the title but also the powers and responsibilities of the office. Bishop Dorrien will be consecrated at a service in Bangor Cathedral - the seat of the Archbishop - on January 27th and enthroned in St Davids Cathedral on February 3rd.

Let's make this Journey together