FORMER archaeologist John Wyn Evans has been flung into the frontline of the Anglican Communion as the new Bishop of St Davids.
The 61-year-old was shocked at his elevation, which followed the resignation of Carl Cooper after intense speculation about his personal life.
He takes the helm of the ancient diocese at a time when the future of Anglicanism is shrouded in uncertainty.
Disputes over scriptural authority and sexuality have sparked fierce confrontations between traditionalists and liberals.
The Governing Body of the Church in Wales meets today in Lampeter. Every member knows the Church in Wales has the potential to trigger an earthquake in the Communion next month if high-profile celibate gay Dean of St Albans Jeffrey John is named as the next Bishop of Bangor.
But while the crises in Angli-canism have made headlines, churches face the deeper challenge of connecting with an increasingly secular society.
[blockquote]Average Sunday attendance by adults at the Church in Wales has fallen from 39,490 in 2006 to 38,417[/blockquote]
I had no idea that attendance had fallen so low there – looks as though it is behind the SEC. I wish +Evans well with his intention of doing something about it. May his ministry to St David’s prosper.
And the Church in Wales is apparently the largest denomination. What ever has happened there. South Wales used to be a bible belt.
I am not surprised at the low membership of the Church in Wales….the Land of my Fathers. The decline in Sunday attendance is no surprise, but I’m sure the Church will survive. I believe that Bishop Evans’ appointment is a wise one, and I wish him well.