Church Near Me
anglican Tradition

Church in Wales

The Anglican province of Wales — disestablished from the Church of England in 1920 and now an independent member church of the Anglican Communion.

History & Origins

The Church in Wales traces its roots to the earliest Celtic Christianity of the British Isles, but as a distinct province it was created in 1920 when the Welsh Church Act disestablished and disendowed the four Welsh dioceses of the Church of England. Today it is led by the Archbishop of Wales and organised into six dioceses across the country.

What Makes the Church in Wales Distinctive

  • The Anglican province of Wales, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
  • Disestablished from the Church of England in 1920 — it is no longer a state church.
  • Worship is frequently bilingual, offered in both Welsh and English.
  • Led by the Archbishop of Wales and organised into six dioceses.

Core Beliefs

  • The Apostles' and Nicene Creeds
  • Scripture, tradition and reason as authorities
  • Two great sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion
  • Episcopal governance through bishops in apostolic succession

Worship & Practices

Liturgical worship using the Book of Common Prayer in English and Welsh, alongside contemporary services. Bilingual ministry is a defining feature.

  • Sunday Eucharist
  • Bilingual English-Welsh worship
  • Pastoral ministry to every community in Wales

Key Terms Explained

A quick glossary to help you understand worship and life in the Church in Wales tradition.

Holy Communion
The celebration of the Eucharist, the central Anglican sacrament.
Esgobaeth
The Welsh word for a diocese, a region led by a bishop.
Plwyf
The Welsh word for a parish, the local church community.
Archbishop of Wales
The senior bishop who leads the Church in Wales.

Notable facts

  • The Church in Wales was disestablished in 1920, ending centuries as part of the established church.
  • Many of its services are conducted bilingually in Welsh and English.
  • Wales also has a rich nonconformist chapel heritage alongside the Anglican tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Church in Wales the same as the Church of England?

No. They share the Anglican tradition and are in full communion, but the Church in Wales has been an independent province since 1920 with its own Archbishop, governing body and finances.

Are services held in Welsh?

Many parishes offer worship in Welsh, English, or both, depending on the local community. The Church in Wales is committed to bilingual ministry across the country.

Notable Church in Wales churches

A selection of Church in Wales congregations from our directory.

Church in Wales

Bangor Cathedral

Bangor, LL57 1LH

Church in Wales

Brecon Cathedral

Brecon, LD3 9DP

Church in Wales

Newport Cathedral

Newport, NP20 4ED

Church in Wales

St Davids Cathedral

St Davids, SA62 6RD