Ecumenical service blesses the work of the Senedd

Leading figures in Welsh politics and public service attended Llandaff Cathedral on October 13th for a national ecumenical Service of Dedication for the Seventh Senedd.

The service took place two days before the official opening of the seventh session of the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, and was an opportunity for the churches of Wales, represented by Cytûn, Churches Together in Wales, to pray for, support, and bless the work of those active in the world of democracy and public service.

Politicians from all parties represented in the Senedd were invited for the event, at which the Archbishop of Wales, The Most Revd Cherry Vann, preached. The service also featured the participation of interfaith partners.

Archbishop Cherry said: "As the new Senedd term begins, it is right that we come together in prayer, reflecting on the responsibilities entrusted to those who serve the people of Wales. The decisions taken by our elected representatives have a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities across our nation. Today’s service at Llandaff Cathedral is an opportunity to pray for all Members of the Senedd, that they may be guided by wisdom, integrity and compassion in their work, and that they will always keep in view the dignity of every person and the common good of our society. I pray that this new Senedd term will be marked by a spirit of service, constructive dialogue and renewed hope for the people of Wales.”

Before the service, there was a time of reflection and music with: Côr Merched Plastaf, the 2026 Eisteddfod double award-winning choir; Mared Pugh-Evans, Official Harpist to His Majesty the King, and the choir of Llandaff Cathedral. During the service, readings were given by Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Llywydd of the Senedd, and Sam Rowlands MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Faith. The Senedd was blessed by ecumenical leaders and representatives of faith communities in Wales, while prayers were offered by the Right Revd Mary Stallard, Bishop of Llandaff, the Most Revd Mark O’Toole, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, and the Right Revd Dorrien Davies, Dean of the Royal Chaplaincy for Wales and Bishop of St Davids.

Also in attendance was Cynan Llwyd, General Secretary of Cytûn, who said:

“The Service of Dedication is an opportunity to give thanks for those who serve Wales in public life and to pray for the Seventh Senedd ahead of its official opening. Alongside our interfaith partners, we hope it will be a moment of shared commitment to wisdom, compassion and the good of every community in Wales. Serving the people of Wales is a responsibility worthy of gratitude, encouragement and prayer so we hope that the Senedd members will feel encouraged and supported by this service. We look forward to further engagement with the Senedd as we all strive to serve every community in Wales."

The Dean of Llandaff Cathedral, The Very Revd Dr Jason Bray, said: “We were delighted to welcome Members of the Senedd and their staff to Llandaff Cathedral today. We blessed the endeavour of the Seventh Senedd and prayed for everyone who works there for the good of all people. We hope that the Senedd feels assured of our prayers going forwards as they try and navigate our complicated world."

The Senedd will open on Thursday 15th October. Join us in saying a prayer for its term:

God of justice and peace, 

God of the valleys and mountains, 

of our cities and our communities, 

we give you thanks for the people of Wales 

and for the privilege and responsibility of serving the common good. 

As this Senedd begins a new chapter in the life of our nation, 

bless all who have been elected and appointed to serve here. 

Give them wisdom in their deliberations, 

integrity in their decisions, 

courage in difficult times, 

and grace to listen to voices that are easily overlooked. 

May they seek justice without partiality, 

peace without complacency, 

prosperity without exclusion, 

and progress without forgetting those who struggle. 

Help us all to remember that authority is entrusted for the sake of service, 

and that the measure of our common life 

is found in how we treat one another, 

especially the poorest, the weakest and the most vulnerable. 

Bless this Senedd, 

bless the people of Wales, 

and make us, in all our diversity, 

a people who pursue truth, justice and peace. 

Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.