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Dictionary

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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’).

Episcopal

‘Episcopal’ refers to the role or ministry of a bishop. So an episcopal church is one in which oversight is entrusted to a bishop. Like many others, the Church in Wales is an episcopal church.

Home Pobl Dewi: March 2025 Invigorating, challenging, rewarding

Invigorating, challenging, rewarding

Bishop Dorrien reflects on his first year of episcopal ministry

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart (Philippians 1,3-7a)

Dorrien-17

The first year of my episcopacy has been invigorating, challenging and rewarding. My visits to churches, LMAs, organisations and schools have brought me great encouragement and hope for the future of our diocese. The faith of so many people and their commitment to live the life of Christ is something that gives me great joy as we go forward together as a family of believers.

It is my sincere hope that, as I enter into the second year of Ministry as Bishop, we will work together to realise the importance of the tasks set before us.

I appreciate that we will have to make difficult decisions and even accept change. However I believe that, strengthened by the living Lord Jesus, we will accomplish much to glorify his name and make his presence known throughout the diocese of St Davids.

I want to thank everybody for the support I have received in so many and different ways, above all for your prayers, for me and my family as we adjust to life at Llys Esgob. Jesus has called us all to a life of service in love for one another; let us do everything together in the spirit of that love which knows no bounds.

I am mindful that the Church is vulnerable; it is precious and of much value. Even today in what has become a very secular society the Church has its relevance and contribution to make because it belongs to God. I am reminded of the words of Mother Julian of Norwich:

“And in this he showed me something small, no bigger than a hazelnut, lying in the palm of my hand, as it seemed to me, and it was as round as a ball. I looked at it and thought: What can this be? I was amazed that it could last, for I thought that because of its littleness it would suddenly have fallen away into nothing. And I was answered in my understanding: It lasts and always will, because God loves it; and thus everything has being through the love of God."