Churches across Wales have come together to open one of the best resourced Christian bookshops in the nation.

The Churches Together Bookshop, which will officially open on September 6, is the result of a joint enterprise by church leaders concerned about the loss of the well respected SPCK bookshop which served the Christian market in Cardiff for more than 30 years.

A focus group was formed to explore possible ways forward and with support from the Church in Wales, Cytun – the ecumenical body for Wales – and the United Reformed Church, the new bookshop was born.

Ruth Dickinson, who co-manages the shop with Terry Cox, hopes the shop will prove a valuable resource for churches across Wales.

She said, “The key to success for this enterprise will be our ability to respond to the requirements of the broad, ecumenical church scene in Wales. We’ve sent out more than 800 letters to churches from Powys to St Davids, and have received good input in response. We will be carrying everything from rosaries to zipped leather Bible covers, along with books and church supplies. We’re building a website at www.ctbooks.org.uk to publish reviews of what’s new and advertise special promotional offers. A scheme of partner churches will return 5% of purchases by church members to the churches who sign up for the scheme, and we plan special monthly evening opening hours for partner churches.

 “So a new mainstream ecumenical bookshop for Wales is finally here, thanks to the support of many encouraging voices and the expert advice of so many experienced colleagues. We hope this shop will make a real difference in strengthening the churches, not just here in Cardiff, but across Wales.”

A spokesperson for the Church in Wales said, “We are pleased to help the bookshop begin this exciting new era. We feel it is very important to have a shop in the Welsh capital that sells a wide range of good quality Christian books and other resources to equip and inspire people on their spiritual journey and to support churches.”

The shop, at City United Reformed Church, Windsor Place, began trading in July but will be officially opened on Sept 6 with a time set for dedicating the shop set for 3pm. It will be open 10am to 5pm Monday - Friday, and 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays.  For more information visit, www.ctbooks.org.uk