DIOCESAN MISSION ACTION PLANNING
our challenge as a Diocese
to develop the ministry and discipleship of all God's people throughout the Diocese so that, transformed ourselves,
we might play our part in transforming God's world
Dioceasan Vision Statement 2004
The Diocesan Mission Action Plan sets out five fundamental Aims for the Diocese for the next five years and beyond. This document indicates how these aims will be addressed in the coming year. It shows how the work of the Church in parishes will be supported by the Diocese during a time of change.
Where are we now?
The Church in the Diocese of Llandaff seeks to serve the million or so people living in the most densely populated and industrial part of Wales - from Cardiff in the east to Cilybebyll in the west, from Llantwit Major in the south to Merthyr Tydfil in the north.
Over the centuries the Church has built on the foundation established by the Celtic missionaries, responding to the needs of the time. The Middle Ages and 19th century in particular were periods of significant growth, during which the majority of churches in the Diocese were built, and the present parochial pattern established.
However, the last 30 years have seen a considerable decline in the influence of the Church in British society in general, and, in the Diocese of Llandaff, a reduction in the number of Easter Communicants and average attendees, the closure of church buildings, and fewer clergy to serve a rising population.
But further decline is not inevitable. There is enough energy, goodwill, enthusiasm and commitment in the Diocese to do something about it. Plans need to be put in place to turn the decline around so that we, the Church, can become more effective agents of God's kingdom here.
Where is God calling us?
In the Covenant agreed and signed at the Llandaff Diocesan Conference in September 2003, the Diocese - and through the Diocese the parishes -made the commitment to:
- make the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ our explicit priority at all levels of our work, so that we may touch the people of Wales with the good news of Christ;
- serve God's people in our communities by working for peace and justice;
- develop the ministry and discipleship of the baptised so that, transformed ourselves, we may play our part in transforming God's world;
- help the ordained in their leadership role.