Welsh Independent / Congregational

As a Christian denomination, the Welsh Independents are similar in doctrine and practice to the English-speaking Congregationalists, being recognised as a distinct group through use of the Welsh language or physical location in Wales.

The first Independent church in Wales was established at Llanfaches in 1639 in the Puritan tradition. Approximately 460 Independent churches are now members of the Union of Welsh Independents (Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg). The Union is noted for passing pacifist resolutions on several occasions. The overwhelming majority of Welsh Independent Congregations communicate primarily through the medium of the Welsh language.

For Welsh Independent congregations in the Faith Wales area, click here.

Information

The Chaplaincy to the University of Glamorgan provides the following information from its own researchers. Each page has been checked by the chaplaincy advisor from the relevant faith group. Within every major religion, there are differences of opinion between leaders, and between leaders and followers. We only aim to provide an overview.