CICC OFF IN WALES

Launch of the Cymru Institute of Christianity

29 March 2010

The new Cymru Institute of Contemporary Christianity has launched. In three venues on three consecutive nights, hundreds of people gathered in Swansea, Cardiff and Colwyn Bay to listen to some of the UK’s most prominent Christian leaders. 

In Swansea’s Waterfront Church, Joel Edward's addressed the subject of ‘Engaging Culture.’ As a former commissioner to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and international director of the Micah Challenge, his address was peppered with examples of the dilemmas and challenges facing today’s Christians. Speaking to a larger-than-expected audience Edwards argued that the church needs to develop new competences in the battle for ideas, in demonstrating its faith in a God of public benefit, in surfing the waves of liberal democracy and in spiritual warfare. "My hope," he said, "is that we will go with our heads held high, recognising that we serve a God of well-being, and that we have a legitimate place in the public square."

At the Cardiff launch in Highfield's Church, 280 people packed in to the main auditorium to take part in a Question Time style event. Joel Edwards took part in a panel along with leading feminist and writer Dr. Elaine Storkey;  Michael Green, advisor on evangelism to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York;  campaigner Dan Boucher and Media Wales journalist David Williamson.

In Colwyn Bay, general director of the Evangelical Alliance Steve Clifford joined the panel, along with Dr. Elaine Storkey, Professor Chris Cunningham and Bishop Andy John. 

Questions ranged from the growth of virtual relationships to Terry Pratchett's views on euthanasia. BBC Radio Wales’ Roy Jenkins chaired the sessions, and challenged the panels to express their opinions on the complex questions they were asked to address.

Elfed Godding, national director of Evangelical Alliance Wales said, “These CICC events provided an opportunity for Christians from all walks of life to acquire greater skill in understanding the Bible and applying it to contemporary issues."

Gethin Russell-Jones 07985 145726