Cymraeg
CY
Dictionary

Words on this page

Anglican

Anglicans form the family of Christians closely related to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Whilst tracing their inheritance back to Christ and the earliest Christians and to the ancient Roman Catholic church, the sixteenth century Reformation was a crucial moment for Anglicanism.

Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Episcopal

‘Episcopal’ refers to the role or ministry of a bishop. So an episcopal church is one in which oversight is entrusted to a bishop. Like many others, the Church in Wales is an episcopal church.

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Theological

‘Theology’ means literally ‘words about God’. Christian theology involves our trying to understand and explain what God has revealed about himself through Scripture. This work is aided by the writings of past and present theologians and human reason.

Home About us Wellbeing in Ministry

Wellbeing in Ministry

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Healthy ministry begins with caring for ourselves and our relationships. This page offers practical information, resources, and signposts to help nurture your wellbeing.

Walking Together in Ministry

No matter our role, we all need support at various times, and those needs change throughout our ministry. The Church in Wales is committed to walking alongside everyone in ordained and lay ministry, and their families, so that together we can remain faithful, healthy, and fruitful.

What Shapes Wellbeing?

Wellbeing is more than the absence of stress. It’s the balance of physical, emotional, and spiritual health, supported by strong personal and professional relationships, and rooted in a sense of vocation. When these elements work together, they create the foundation for a ministry that is both sustainable and life-giving.

The Realities of Ministry

Ministry is deeply rewarding, yet it can bring hidden challenges, often including loneliness, isolation, and heavy workloads. Clergy and lay ministers often enjoy a valuable sense of autonomy, but boundaries between work and home often blur and the demands of ministry can easily spill into every corner of life. Making time for self-care and maintaining a healthy work–life balance is therefore essential.

Support That Helps You Flourish

While caring for your own wellbeing is vital, support from your diocese and the province matters too. Church structures are designed to help clergy and lay ministers thrive. A good first step is to identify your diocesan contact who can guide you to further support. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your archdeacon or diocesan secretary, and they will provide information and connect you with the right person.

Practical Help

Emotional, spiritual, and financial support is available through networks and trusted charities. Below, you’ll find resources to help sustain mind, body, and spirit throughout your ministry: