Introducing Undeb
Undeb exists to bring together Christians from across Wales - for Wales. We want to encourage the flourishing of churches across Wales in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, praying for our great nation, raising up disciples in this and future generations and working for the renewal of the church for mission in society.
We are a broad network within the Church in Wales of ordained and lay people. We are committed to our Anglican heritage of faith, we hold to the received teaching of the Church in Wales and we are part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. We are united in our confidence that the good news of Jesus Christ is as alive and relevant in our nation of Wales as it has ever been.
We do not believe that church decline is inevitable, or that changing or developing doctrine or practice is necessary to reach present and future generations. Around the world many parts of the Anglican Communion are experiencing unprecedented growth whilst continuing to remain faithful to historic doctrine and practices. Our inherited faith offers the hope that so many in our society crave as a radical alternative to what our surrounding culture offers.​​​​
Our Purpose
In recent years, the introduction of experimental liturgies relating to same‑sex couples has raised profound questions for many within the Church in Wales. As the experimental period draws to a close, there remains widespread uncertainty about the pastoral, ecclesial and missional effects of these provisions, and about how decisions will now be taken.
Undeb exists to give voice to concerns that are often felt deeply but expressed quietly. Many clergy and lay people have felt hesitant to speak openly, unsure whether there is space within the Church to do so without misunderstanding or cost. We believe that honest, prayerful dialogue requires structures that enable such voices to be heard.
Our Concerns
While our members hold a range of views and experiences, a number of shared concerns recur consistently.
Unity
The experimental provisions have intensified division within the Church. Some have left, others remain with uncertainty, and some struggle in conscience to continue supporting the Church’s mission. We are concerned that further permanent change, without adequate safeguards, would deepen these fractures within the Province and strain our relationships across the Anglican Communion.
Mission
Mission has suffered substantial disruption. We have experience of evangelistic agencies and networks that once partnered freely with our churches, but are now increasingly unable to do so because the doctrine of marriage is no longer clear. Canon 14 (2021) has introduced avoidable barriers to collaboration, weakening our shared witness and draining confidence from those engaged in the ministry and mission of the Church at local level. Vocations and partnerships have been affected and there is a widespread and deep sense of alienation within our Church.
Theology
The Church’s doctrine of marriage, as articulated in the Book of Common Prayer and Catechism, remains clear. We do not believe this doctrine can be treated as a secondary or non‑essential matter, and we are concerned by inconsistencies that have left both church members and the wider public uncertain about what the Church in Wales actually teaches.
Our Requests
Undeb is not a campaigning organisation, nor are we seeking to dictate outcomes.
1. We know this issue evokes strong reactions on boths sides of the debate. Governing Body members should be able to express their views without fear of ministerial or relational repercussions, or of publicly undermining bishops with whom they may disagree. We ask that any future votes on these questions be anonymous.
2. If the revision becomes permanent, it must avoid contradicting the rest of the Book of Common Prayer and the Catechism. We request that all references to marriage be removed from the Liturgy.
3. We request a dialogue about how episcopal oversight can best be maintained when clergy and congregations may profoundly disagree with the stance taken by their bishops.
4. We ask that the Canon state that no candidate is to be denied licensing, ordination, or consecration on the basis of exercising their conscience in this matter.
5. We ask that no one bound by the constitution of the Church in Wales is forced to act against their conscience by participating in or enabling such provision.
Our Method
Undeb provides a simple and confidential way for clergy and lay people to register their support for these principles. This allows accurate data to be gathered about the breadth of concern across the Church in Wales, in order to assist responsible leadership and decision‑making.
We are committed to acting with integrity, charity and prayerfulness. We seek neither publicity nor polemic, but a faithful contribution to the life of the Church we love.
​
We are commited to holding the Church in prayer - praying for the bench of bishops, governing body and each diocese that they would hold firmly to the gospel as it has been revealed.
​
We seek to engage in collective dialogue with our bishops - ensuring that our collective position is clearly and effectively articulated.
Our Hope
​Our prayer is that the Church in Wales may continue to proclaim the gospel with clarity and compassion, rooted in Scripture and attentive to the whole body of Christ. Undeb exists to serve that hope, trusting that truthful conversation, conducted in love, is a gift to the Church rather than a threat.