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Dictionary

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Anglican

Anglicans form the family of Christians closely related to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Whilst tracing their inheritance back to Christ and the earliest Christians and to the ancient Roman Catholic church, the sixteenth century Reformation was a crucial moment for Anglicanism.

Ecumenical

The Christian Church is divided due to different interpretations of the faith and different religious practices. The ecumenical movement promotes dialogue and understanding between Christians and works for visible unity.

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Home Pobl Dewi: December 2025 Faith and Order 1700 years on

Faith and Order 1700 years on

In October, 360 people gathered in the Egyptian desert to ask ‘Where now for visible unity?’ at a conference organised by the World Council of Churches. Dr Susan Durber, a United Reformed Church minister, from Haverfordwest, and president for Europe of the WCC, was among the attendees.

Susan Durber [WCC]

We were lay people, ministers, priests, bishops, monks, theology professors and activists, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostals, Lutherans, from newly founded churches from Africa, United churches and many more.

About a third were young people. We were hosted by Pope Tawadros II, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox church, and we met in the place where Athanasius came from, the saint to whom we owe the Nicene Creed.

This was a modern meeting with Wi-fi, QR codes and live-streaming. It marked the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea at which the Nicene Creed began its life (expanded in 381 into the version that most Christians know), when Christians found unity in faith in one God, and in one Lord Jesus Christ who became incarnate for us.

Called together by Faith and Order, a pillar of the WCC, we asked what we need to say, do and pray now to offer united witness and service to the world. Our churches agree more than they disagree on many questions, but the ecumenical journey needs to continue.

We affirmed that unity is not sameness or even agreement, but communion. It becomes visible when we live together, move towards mutual sharing at the Lord’s table and recognition of each others ministries, but also when we embody faith in solidarity with each other, and with those marginalised in our world. A divided Church has nothing to offer a divided world, but a united Church can be sign and servant of the Kingdom of God.

In Wales we have a diversity of Christian confession and practice and a heritage of going back to the early centuries of the Church. We also have a wonderful global family that calls us to live in unity, for the sake of humankind and of creation too.