This is an announcement from the Diocese of Bangor which may be useful to some of you:
Archbishop launches new course to help learners experience church services in Welsh
The Diocese of Bangor has launched a brand new course to help Welsh learners experience church services through the medium of Welsh
The 10-hour online taster course is designed to give learners of all levels a taste of the Welsh language. The first part of the course introduces learners to basic conversational phrases. The second part is tailored entirely toward church and the Christian faith and helps learners to say the Lord’s Prayer in Welsh and understand a simple communion service. After completing the course, learners will better understand Welsh pronunciation and phrases which will help them participate in Welsh language church services.
Archbishop of Wales Andrew John, who has also learned Welsh, welcomed the course, “As a Welsh learner I am delighted that this helpful and practical course is available for learners to experience church services in the Welsh language. The course is a first for the Church in Wales and allows people to learn Welsh phrases and words associated with church services that often are not taught in Welsh classes.
“The Church in Wales is committed to growing Welsh language churches and our hope is that learners who complete the course will feel confident to attend a Welsh language service and, in time, become members of that community.”
The Diocese of Bangor has a strong commitment to promoting the Welsh language and encouraging new Welsh speakers. In 2022, the diocese received Cynnig Cymraeg recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner for their robust commitment to promoting the use of Welsh. The diocese employs Elin Owen as Welsh Language Enabler whose role is to support the diocese to continually improve their Welsh language offer.
Elin said "The support that the diocese offers Welsh learners is fantastic and the enthusiasm here for learning the language is truly encouraging.
"We support staff and clergy to learn Welsh by investing in courses and providing them with a personalised learning plan. We have worked with the national Iaith Gwaith scheme to run a preaching through the medium of Welsh course at Canolfan Iaith Nant Gwrtheyrn. Many of our clergy and staff also regularly attend residential courses there and are working their way through the new course.”
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh said “The Centre works in partnership with different sectors and organisations to attract new audiences to the Welsh language. We are delighted to deliver this latest course for the church sector.”
To enroll on the course click here.