The head of the Church in Wales has urged worshippers to reflect on how Christian values might shape their choices.
The Most Revd Cherry Vann put forward this request during her keynote speech to the Church in Wales’ Governing Body.
The Archbishop discussed global warfare, the upcoming Senedd ballot, and internal Church matters, calling on attendees to reject anxiety, resist fragmentation, and foster increased mutual confidence, belonging, and compassion.
Addressing the upcoming ballot, she said their beliefs offer standards that can direct voting habits, in the same way they shape daily existence. These standards compel individuals to think about what others require and what benefits the whole community, rather than focusing solely on personal gain.
She outlined that compassion should be shown to those nearby and space should be made for those arriving from elsewhere. She explained that provision should be made for those lacking support, including the bereaved, children without parents, and anyone reliant on assistance from others. She emphasized that political figures should be selected, regardless of whether they hold the same beliefs, to establish a community where each person holds significance, each individual feels accepted, and all have the opportunity to engage and experience belonging.
She contrasted the security enjoyed in this country with the hardships faced by Christians in other nations.
She observed that believers in overseas territories have observed Easter in vastly different conditions, amid warfare and ruin, coping with dread and uncertainty, and suffering anguish and distress that nearly surpasses human understanding.
She highlighted Ukraine, South Sudan, Iran, and several Middle Eastern territories specifically.
The Archbishop additionally addressed concerns within the Church in Wales itself, recounting dialogues with congregation members from both Catholic and evangelical backgrounds who felt anxious about their standing within the organisation.
She noted that what encouraged her was their willingness to voice their fears and apprehensions, and that they could communicate honestly and directly, even harshly, about their circumstances as clergy and ordinary members.
She finished by reaffirming her pledge to seek divine guidance and labour towards establishing an environment that values and honours each person’s distinctions, so that collectively they might genuinely embody Christ’s presence and fulfill God’s intentions for Wales.