Our man in the public pulpit

Introducing the Archbishop’s new Public Affairs Advisor , Edward Evans.

My role exists for a simple but vital reason: the Church in Wales has something important to say in the public square, and that voice needs to be heard clearly and consistently within political life.

The Church has always been more than a collection of buildings or Sunday services. It is rooted in communities across Wales and encounters people at moments of joy, grief, and uncertainty. Because of that, the Church has a distinctive perspective on many of the issues debated by politicians, particularly those that touch on human dignity, care for the vulnerable and our shared heritage. My job is to help ensure that this perspective is heard by people who make decisions on our behalf.

In practical terms, this means engaging with politicians, officials and policymakers, particularly in the Senedd, on behalf of the Church in Wales. I monitor legislation and policy proposals, brief the Archbishop and other senior leaders, help shape responses to consultations, and build relationships so that the Church is seen as a thoughtful and constructive partner in public life rather than a distant voice.

Some of the issues I have been working on recently show the range of this role. The Church in Wales has been clear in its opposition to the assisted dying bill, rooted in a concern for the protection of life and the potential risks to vulnerable people. I have also been involved in responding to proposed changes to council tax regulations, which would mean empty clergy properties becoming liable for council tax after a year; a change with real financial implications for dioceses and parishes.

Another pressing concern has been the announced closure of a UK-wide grant scheme, and the creation of an England-only replacement, that allows churches, chapels and cathedrals to reclaim VAT on repairs, placing further strain on those responsible for maintaining some of Wales’s most significant historic buildings. (see Page …)

While these individual issues matter, the broader purpose of my role is to help ensure that the Church in Wales’ voice is heard in political discussions more generally. I work closely with colleagues from other Christian denominations, from the Catholic church and the Lutherans to the Baptists and Salvation Army, as well as from different faith communities, recognising that we are often stronger when we speak together. On many issues there is shared ground and a shared moral concern.

Ultimately, public affairs work is about presence, which is why I shall be attending political conferences, arranging meetings, and building relationships with those who will yield political power over the coming years. It is about ensuring that, when difficult decisions are being made, the values and concerns of the Church and the communities it serves are part of the picture. In that way, the Church in Wales can continue to contribute faithfully and thoughtfully to the life of our nation.