About Us

We are the United Reformed Church in Wales, comprising over eighty local congregations. All these churches belong to the National Synod of Wales which carries out its work through a variety of councils and boards.

The Synod Meeting takes place twice a year to which each church is invited to send a representative. All serving ministers are also members of Synod as are a number of ecumenical representatives.

Much of the Synod’s work is carried out and coordinated by the Synod Pastoral Committee Meeting together with the Mission and Discipleship Board and the Finance and Property Board.

The Synod is also served by a number of staff officers: the Synod Moderator, Synod Clerk, Synod Treasurer, Training and Development Officer, Ecumenical Officer, Children and Youth Development Officer (CYDO) and Property Officer.

For further information about the United Reformed Church as a whole, please visit the URC website. A brief history of the denomination is available from the URC History Society.

Synod Office is normally open 09.30-17.00, Monday to Thursday

Contact Details

The United Reformed Church
National Synod of Wales
Minster Road
Cardiff
CF23 5AS

029 2019 5728

www.urcwales.org.uk

Send an email

office.urcwales@urc.org.uk

Meet the team

Moderator: Revd Simon Walkling

Simon has wide ranging responsibilities within the Synod and wider church, but his priorities are always the pastoral care of ministers and the encouragement and support of local churches so that both ministers and churches can fulfil their God-given potential through mission and service. Simon also relates to other Christian denominations at national level so that wherever possible […]

Synod Clerk: Ms Helen Stenson

Helen’s role is to support the work of the Synod in various ways, but especially by helping individuals and churches connect to Synod resources in a way that supports them in their life and witness. She is also a point of contact between the Synod and the wider United Reformed Church through General Assembly, Mission Council […]

Synod Treasurer & URC Wales Trust Secretary: Mr Chris Atherton

Chris is the Company Secretary for the United Reformed Church (Wales) Trust Company Limited and Synod Treasurer for the United Reformed Church National Synod of Wales. The two roles cover a range of practical and compliance issues from finance to governance.

Training & Development Officer: Revd Dr Jason Askew

Jason works with local churches and ministers to identify and develop training needs, and implements the Synod’s strategy for training and development.

Children & Youth Development Officer: Mrs Judy Harris

The Children and Youth Development Officer’s role is to ensure that churches, their staff and those who act as leaders are encouraged, enabled and effective in their work with children and young people and to ensure this takes place in a safe environment. Judy is available to support churches through training and development of new […]

Property Officer: Ms Claire Boot

Claire works alongside local churches to help them translate their mission and vision into the practicality of suitable property development. She assists congregations in managing church buildings, graveyards and manses. Claire also provides a link between the Trust and churches, advising and ensuring adherence to Trust and statutory requirements.

Officer for Ecumenical & Inter-faith Relations: Revd Martin Spain

Martin offers guidance and support to churches in ecumenical situations, and works closely with Cytûn and other ecumenical bodies in Wales. He represents the Synod’s interests in ecumenicism issues as well as in matters of inter-faith social justice.

Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Diana Taylor

Diana’s role is to support churches across the Synod develop and sustain a positive safeguarding culture that complies with statutory safeguarding requirements. She works to equip and resource Safeguarding Coordinators to carry out their role effectively. Diana is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns and can be contacted by email or phone […]

Moderator’s PA & Office Manager: Ms Megan Price

Megan is the Moderator’s Personal Assistant and the Synod Office Manager.

Finance Assistant: Miss Gaynor Morgan

Gaynor assists the Synod Treasurer with financial administration duties, including online banking, preparing financial statements and ordering stationery.

Administration Officer: Mr Joel Sainsbury

Joel supports the Synod through taking minutes at various committee and board meetings, including Synod Pastoral Committee, Mission and Discipleship Board, and Finance and Property Board, as well as at Synod meetings. He also provides administrative support for the Synod Team.

Chaplain: Revd Stephen Best

Stephen is Chaplain to the Synod Support Team, offering support and a listening ear to all staff. He also acts as Candidating Secretary and Representative to the Lay Preaching Commissioners Consultation.