In 1920, the Church in Wales became an independent part of the Anglican Communion after centuries of being part of the Church of England. The process was known as 'disestablishment' as it broke the link between Welsh churches and the state with the historic Welsh Church Act.
The centenary year begins Advent Sunday, 1st December 2019, the start of the Christian year. Events being held to mark the anniversary include celebration services in all six of the Church's cathedrals on 7th June 2020 and a visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury in April next year. A centenary appeal has also been launched which aims to raise £100,000 for two charities over the next five years.
The Archbishop of Wales, John Davies, said: "Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year and, for the Church in Wales, 2020 is a very important year as it's our centenary as a province of the Anglican Communion. We will be celebrating this landmark birthday throughout the year in churches and communities across Wales, and I invite everyone to join in giving thanks and praise for the fellowship we have shared over the years and, at the same time committing to a future renewed with hope and confidence."
Throughout the year, local churches will be organising centenary events and exhibitions for their communities while new print and film resources are being made to show the contribution the Church's faith and its activities make to life in Wales.
Evangelism will be a key theme of the centenary and a social media campaign will include a modern Bible rap by Christian musician, Guvna B. The Church has also collaborated with Christian charity HOPE Together to produce a free, bilingual evangelism booklet for churches to distribute.
The Provincial Secretary, Simon Lloyd, said: "The Church in Wales is involved in community life in all parts of Wales - in cities, towns, villages and hamlets, in both of our languages, amongst people of all ages. We welcome everyone. The centenary is an opportunity to share our story and our life together with our friends, our neighbours and our nation."
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