‘We’ve Got Ten Years to Change our Ways,’ says church leader
January 23, 2026
Presbyterian Church of Wales
News Release 23 January 2026
Immediate Release
‘We’ve Got Ten Years to Change our Ways,’ says church leader
Presbyterian Church of Wales Launches Bold Plans for the Next Decade
‘We have got about ten years to change the way we organize the way we work and worship. After that, it will probably be too late.’ These are the stark words of the Rev Nan Powell Davies, General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, ahead of a landmark conference being held in Wrexham on 28 January. The day conference is part of a process where members are being consulted about simplifying governance, strengthening mission, and responding realistically to changing circumstances facing churches across Wales.
Church leaders have identified the need to reduce administrative complexity and allow ministers, elders, and congregations to concentrate more fully on worship, pastoral care, and mission in their communities. Proposals under discussion include:
Empower the local church as the primary place of mission and ministry, supported by training, pastoral oversight, and pioneering opportunities.
Reconfigure Presbyteries around natural and communal ties to enhance collaboration, pastoral care, and appropriate ecumenical engagement
Restore the Association model as the central decision-making body.
The event in Wrexham, follows on from a conference held in Llandudno in April 2025, called ‘What do these stones mean?. This conference urged and inspired local congregations to consider creative and community‑based uses of chapel buildings, emphasising alignment with mission rather than closure alone. Many of the projects highlighted ecumenical and community based partnerships.
Moderator of the PCW, Glynis Owen said: ‘This is a dynamic and far reaching process. The future of the Church depends not only on organisational reform but on renewed commitment to faith, witness, and service. We are consulting widely so that we gain a deep engagement with transforming the mission of the PCW for the next generation.’
The Restructuring Conference will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 9.30am – 4pm at Capel y Groes, Wrexham, LL12 7AG
