Learners offered course in Welsh for church services
Welsh learners are being invited to take a new course to help them experience church services through the medium of Welsh
The 10-hour online course, launched by the Diocese of Bangor, is designed to give learners of all levels a taste of the Welsh language. The first part of the course introduces learners to basic conversational phrases. The second part is tailored entirely towards church and the Christian faith and helps learners to say the Lord’s Prayer in Welsh and understand a simple communion service. After completing the course, learners will better understand Welsh pronunciation and phrases which will help them participate in Welsh language church services.
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, who has also learnt Welsh, welcomed the course. He said, “As a Welsh learner I am delighted that this helpful and practical course is available for learners to experience church services in the Welsh language. The course is a first for the Church in Wales and allows people to learn Welsh phrases and words associated with church services that often are not taught in Welsh classes.
“The Church in Wales is committed to growing Welsh language churches and our hope is that learners who complete the course will feel confident to attend a Welsh language service and, in time, become members of that community.”
The Church in Wales is committed to growing Welsh language churches
The Diocese of Bangor has a strong commitment to promoting the Welsh language and encouraging new Welsh speakers. In 2022, it received Cynnig Cymraeg recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner for its robust commitment to promoting the use of Welsh. The diocese employs Elin Owen as Welsh Language Enabler whose role is to support the diocese to improve its Welsh language provision.
Elin said, "The support that the diocese offers Welsh learners is fantastic and the enthusiasm here for learning the language is truly encouraging.
"We support staff and clergy to learn Welsh by investing in courses and providing them with a personalised learning plan. We have worked with the national Iaith Gwaith scheme to run a 'preaching through the medium of Welsh course' at Canolfan Iaith Nant Gwrtheyrn. Many of our clergy and staff also regularly attend residential courses there and are working their way through the new course.”
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said, "The Centre works in partnership with different sectors and organisations to attract new audiences to the Welsh language. We are delighted to deliver this latest course for the church sector."