Towards a bilingual diocese

David Hammond-Williams reports on a new initiative

The Diocese has teamed up with a company that specialises in providing translation services as the drive continues to make all our printed material bilingual.

Bishop Dorrien has been given responsibility for bilingualism on the Bench of Bishops and the move reflects his sense of the importance of moving towards a better and more consistent approach .

Testun, based in Cardiff, has been providing translations for the Church in Wales for several years and is therefore familiar with church terminology and the particular needs of churches and LMAs, as well as diocesan boards and committees.

The company has a team of fifteen translators, all of whom are members of the Welsh Association of Translators & Interpreters. They can turn round up to 2,500 words for next-day delivery and the service works both ways – from English to Welsh and Welsh to English.

The service is available to anyone who would like to use it on behalf of their church or LMA. However, it will have to be paid for. The company charges £80+ VAT per 1000 words.

The Diocesan Board of Finance recognises that it will take some time to put the necessary budgetary provisions in place. So, initially, people wishing to take advantage of the new service should contact the Diocesan secretary, Howard Llewellyn, to discuss their requirements.