Bishops urge ‘strong consensus’ on future Constitution of Wales
The Bishops of the Church in Wales are calling for the development of a “shared vision” for the future of Wales as they respond to the publication today (Jan 18) of a major report on the Constitution.
They say a “strong consensus” about society will help Wales face its challenges with confidence. The bishops also pledge their practical and prayerful support to the ongoing discussion.
The final report of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales can be read here:
Statement from the Bishops
We note the report of the Independent Commission as a major contribution to the discussion about the future of our nation. As the debate goes forward, we hope all sides will recognise that different views can be sincerely held in good faith, and that all of Welsh society must strive to identify the common values and the shared vision which make for a healthy, prosperous, caring and inclusive society.
The Church in Wales is active in every community across the country, and we know from our experiences and from clergy and church members across Wales, that we share a deep commitment to the welfare of our neighbours, of our communities, and the wider society in which we play a part.
Wales faces many challenges, but it will face them all the more confidently if we build a strong consensus about the kind of society we want, and if we achieve a shared and respectful understanding in which people of all backgrounds and beliefs can contribute to the common good. For the Church in Wales, our Christian faith inspires us to support this work both with practical action and in prayer and we will continue to play our full part in the future developments of our society.”
The Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor, Andrew John
The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory K Cameron
The Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann
The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Lomas
The Bishop of Llandaff, Mary Stallard
The Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies