Church’s contribution to Welsh culture explored in new book

From Bible translations to circulating schools, the contribution of the Church in Wales to Welsh history and culture is explored in the first volume of a new book series.

Made up of 14 essays by renowed Welsh scholars, the book focuses on the Church’s influence over a 200-year period, between the translation of the Welsh New Testament in 1567 and the end of the 18th century.

The essays are based on talks given in a popular series of online seminars held during the pandemic and hosted by St Padarn’s Institute. The book, titled, Gofal ein Gwinllan: Ysgrifau ar Gyfraniad yr Eglwys yng Nghymru i Lên, Hanes a Diwylliant Cymru, will be launched at the National Eisteddfod on August 11.

It includes studies of key individuals such as Dr John Davies of Mallwyd, Edmwnd Prys author of Y Salmau Cân (The Psalm Songs), Rhys Prichard and Cannwyll y Cymry (The Candle of the Welsh), Ellis Wynne, Theophilus Evans, Griffith Jones Llanddowror, and from the bards Goronwy Owen and Evan Evans ‘Ieuan Fardd’. Among the themes are early translations from the Bible, the story of the Common Prayer Book, methods of worship using carols and hymns, classical prose of the 18th Century and the contribution of women to the religion of the time. All the authors are specialists in their fields, and are prominent in Welsh academia and culture.

The foreword is written by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John. He says, “Although there is a tendency to consider the established Church as one that became increasingly English in its nature and estranged from its roots in different parts of Wales, these excellent essays show an alternative viewpoint by emphasising the contribution of Welsh speakers. It is good to have this collection of essays to record that important story and inspire a new generation of people within the Church in Wales and beyond.”

Archbishop Andrew also pays tribute to the Professor E. Wyn James for being “a knowledgeable and active 'architect' of the whole enterprise”, and the editors Prof Densil Morgan and Dr A Cynfael Lake.

The book is published by Y Lolfa on behalf of St Padarn’s Institute and the Church in Wales. Although the focus is on figures within the Church in Wales, it will be of interest to all who treasure the nation’s cultural legacy.

All are welcome to the launch at the Societies’ Tent at the Eisteddfod, on Friday, 11 August at 3pm. Speakers include the Archbishop of Wales, Professor E. Wyn James and Dr Eryn White. The session will be chaired by Canon Dr Ainsley Griffiths.

The book can be ordered online at ylolfa.com or from all good bookshops.