In recent years, mainline denominations in Wales have faced a continual decline. Meetings have been held to address these losses, focusing on training and retaining clergy, and utilizing church buildings as resources rather than burdens. However, earlier this month, the Bible Society released a report titled ‘The Quiet Revival,’ highlighting a surprising trend: many churches in England and Wales are experiencing growth, particularly among Gen Z. This demographic has shown a significant increase in church attendance, suggesting that things may not be as lost as they seem.Our guest today is Owen Cottom. Seven years ago, Owen planted a church in Cardiff, which has grown to over 100 attendees on Sundays, representing more than 15 nations. His church is part of a global group of Charismatic Churches. Building on his success in Cardiff, Owen has helped plant another church in Blaenau Ffestiniog. This year, he published two books: one on pursuing a new day of mission and revival in Wales, and the other a series of prayers to accompany the first book. Owen is also part of 100iCymru (100 for Wales), a collective of church planters with a vision to plant 100 churches in Wales over the next 10 years.In this interview we explore the way resurrection hope has shaped his ministry, what 100iCymru see happening around Wales, and their hopes for the future.
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The Art of Argument
In an age of polarised politics “cancel culture” and online echo chambers, it can feel as though respectful disagreement is a dying art. However, across the world’s faith traditions, argument isn’t something to be avoided. Jesus questioned, challenged, and debated—often with religious leaders of his day. Abraham argued with God in the Hebrew scriptures. Across many religions, sacred texts are filled with dialogue, debate, and the wrestling of ideas.Rosa Hunt is joined by an inter-faith panel to discuss whether it is possible to reclaim the art of argument, not as a fight to be won, but as a practice of deeper understanding. Gavin Ortlund is a pastor and theologian based in Tennessee. He's the author of the recently published ‘The Art of Disagreeing’ and runs the YouTube channel, ‘Truth Unites’. Raphael Zarum is the Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies and holds the Rabbi Sacks Chair in Modern Jewish Thought. Imam Faisal Khajjou is from the Revive Academy in Newport. Joanna Williams is a Baptist minister and a trainer in conflict transformation. She works with the Blackley Centre to help churches and communities build peaceful relationships and resolve conflicts.
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Sacred Solidarity: Religion and the Miners' Strike
As the 'Strike' exhibition wraps up at Cardiff Museum, Azim Ahmed embarks on an exploration into the role of churches during the strikes. What actions did they take, and were they sufficient? Through this journey, we uncover covert meetings between church leaders and politicians, and the emotional tale of a Welsh politician who lost faith—both in the church and spiritually—due to its perceived silence. This narrative shines a light on power, faith, and the complexities of moral responsibility in times of upheaval.
We hear from former miner, and now curator for Big Pit Mining Museum, Ceri Thompson; Adam Price MS; Cynan Llwyd, the General Secretary of Cytun; Rev Steffan Jones; Church leader Ruth Morgan; and retired minister Dr Noel Davies.
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Sacred harmonies: Psalm singing in Wales
For centuries the singing of psalms has been a cornerstone of Christian worship and in Wales today psalms are sung in the splendour of great cathedrals and in the quiet devotion of Catholic monasteries. While the singing of psalms has long been cherished, in some churches and denominations psalm singing has been replaced by more modern songs and worship. But a new movement called 'Psalm Roars' is challenging that notion. Led by vicar Tim Vasby Burnie, 'Psalm Roars' aim to make psalm singing accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you have a musical background, and to encourage singing that is “enthusiastic, robust, loud, and inclusive.” Jonathan Thomas attends a 'Psalm Roar' and meets enthusiastic people learning all about psalm singing. He speaks to one of the most pre-eminent modern hymn writers of today, Keith Getty, who sets psalms to music, bringing them to contemporary audiences. Jonathan visits Llandaff Cathedral and meets Stephen Moore, Director of Music, where psalms are sung daily by the cathedral choirs. At Belmont Abbey, Abbot Brendan Thomas explains the ancient tradition of psalmody in the Benedictine Order, where psalms have been sung since its foundation in the sixth century.
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Memories, Faith and Dementia
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, 1 in 3 people in the UK will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime. 55 million people worldwide. But, what is dementia, how does it affect people, and what role does faith play in a person’s journey with dementia?
In this programme, presenter Delyth Liddell talks to her mother about the experience of being a full-time carer for a relative with dementia. We also visit Rhos on Sea, just outside Colwyn Bay, to meet the chaplain of Coed Craig residential and dementia care home. Samantha Hodgins talks about the GOLUD initiative, helping churches support those with dementia, and invites us to a weekly Fellowship Service she runs.
Details of organisations offering information and support with dementia are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 560 780.
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