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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’).

Home News Charity marks 90 years by thanking widows

Charity marks 90 years by thanking widows

Provincial news Posted: 16 July 2021

All widows of Church in Wales clergy are being thanked for their contribution to church life to mark the 90th birthday of a charity today.

They will each receive a card thanking them for both their own ministry and for that of their late husband’s from the trustees of the Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society (WODS).

The charity was set up by the Church in Wales on July 16 1931 to provide assistance for the families of deceased clergy facing financial hardship. It pays out around £100k in grants each year and also organises pastoral support in each of the Church’s six dioceses.

To mark its birthday, WODS has also pledged £500 to each diocese to fund a get-together, once it is safe to do so.

The Archdeacon of Margam, Peggy Jackson, who is the vice-chair of WODS, says, “WODS is one of the most unsung, but valuable areas of work within the Church in Wales – honouring the commitment and dedication of past generations of clergy, by offering particular care to those who had supported their ministry over the years, often at considerable cost. It is very rewarding for the trustees to receive, as we frequently do, letters of thanks and appreciation from widows and widowers receiving our support, and to know that they continue to be engaged with the ongoing life of the Church in Wales. The grants we offer make a significant difference to the recipient’s finances and makes their lives a little bit easier.”

“We are particularly pleased to mark this big birthday with a big thank-you to them.”