The dust has now settled on one of the most significant elections in the history of Welsh devolution. After almost three decades under Labour, Wales has a government led by a different party, Plaid Cymru, and the largest-ever group of newly elected Members of the Senedd (MS).
This marks the start of a new political chapter for our nation. Over the next five years, decisions made by this seventh Senedd will shape healthcare, community cohesion, freedom to practise our faith, education, poverty, and many other areas that impact our churches, families, and communities across Wales.
Before the election, Wales was heavy with anticipation. Would Labour retain power or would Plaid Cymru win? Could Reform gain a foothold in Wales? The only certainty seemed to be that the people of Wales were tired of the status quo and wanted change. How can we pray and engage in this new season?
As a nation, we’ve been through different seasons. We have come from our initial devolution in 1999 to the landmark 2011 referendum that unlocked full law-making powers, to the Covid-19 era in 2020 where nothing seemed certain, to electing Europe’s first Black national leader, Vaughan Gething, and Eluned Morgan as Wales’ first female first minister. Now with the expansion of the Senedd from 60 to 96 members and Rhun ap Iorwerth’s appointment as first minister, we are in a new season.
God has carried us through each season. Political change can bring excitement for some and uncertainty for others. As Christians, however, we are reminded that while governments change, God remains faithful. As Jeremiah tells us, those who trust in the Lord are like a tree planted by water, rooted, sustained, and unshaken even when conditions change (Jeremiah 17:7 – 8).
With the elections behind us, there has been a massive shift in political power, with a large percentage of the Senedd members being new to their roles. In a season of newness, there exists an abundance of opportunities. For example, we have been connecting with new MSs over the last few weeks, introducing them to the fantastic work of churches across the nation and encouraging them in their roles.
At the same time, there are questions about whether this new Senedd and government can put Wales in a stronger position across all key sectors. The new government and MSs undoubtedly need guidance and have their own political and policy interests. Some would be currently making decisions on what they would like, and some probably have made the decisions already. As Christians, it is important to view the new shift in political power and this new season through a lens of hope and as an opportunity for positive change.
While we are still anticipating the Welsh Government’s programme for government, which sets out its goals, priorities, and legislative roadmap for its five-year term, Senedd members are also settling into their roles. Plaid Cymru’s manifesto includes proposals such as strengthening anti-racism legislation and further devolution of powers to Wales, which could be seen as a positive step in addressing inequality and increasing local decision-making power, but also raises questions around how such changes would be implemented in practice. It is therefore important to keep them in our prayers and engage with the Members of the Senedd representing our constituencies.
it is important to view... this new season through a lens of hope and as an opportunity for positive change.”
Why is it important that we pray?
As Christians, God calls us to pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceable lives. Scriptures such as 1 Timothy 2:1 – 2 encourage us to offer prayers “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”. These verses remind us that prayer is not a passive response to change but an active participation in God’s work.
As Wales enters this new chapter, we encourage you to pray with us that those entrusted with leadership would exercise wisdom, integrity, humility, and justice, making decisions that promote the dignity, well-being, and flourishing of everyone across our nation.
Several issues currently being discussed at a UK-wide level are also expected to remain significant in Wales. These are areas where the Evangelical Alliance has been engaging. Topics such as health and the desire to reduce waiting lists, conversion practices, Christian nationalism, independence, and a social media ban for under-16s are on the rise.
It is these kinds of national conversations that Jeremiah 29:7 speaks to, where we are admonished to pray for our Jerusalem, which in our context is Wales and the United Kingdom at large, and to seek the Lord for its peace and prosperity. This means that our response to these issues is not only engagement or opinion but also sustained prayer that Wales would flourish in ways that reflect God’s justice and goodness, because when Wales prosper, we too prosper.
Faith in Wales report // Adroddiad Ffydd yng Nghymru
Highlighting the impact that faith communities have within Welsh communities // Tynnu sylw at yr effaith y mae cymunedau ffydd yn ei chael o fewn cymunedau Cymreig
