Wales Humanists to celebrate 100 years of disestablishment and Welsh secularism

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of disestablishment and the development of today’s modern, secular Wales, Wales Humanists is inviting members and supporters to take part in a special Zoom event taking place on 7 December 2020. This event was originally scheduled to take place in March, but has been rescheduled as a digital event due to the pandemic.

The open event will celebrate the historic enactment of the Welsh Church Act 100 years ago, which disestablished the Church of England, and accelerated Wales’ development as a progressive, confident nation with a largely secular and pluralistic approach to government and civic society.

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Its enactment in 1920, delayed by six years due to the First World War, led to sweeping and meaningful changes in Welsh society. Wealth and powers that had resided within the established Church were redistributed to local authorities and universities, empowering civic institutions for the benefit of communities across Wales.The passing of the Welsh Church Act 1914 was the culmination of decades of resistance to the power of the established Church of England in Wales. These changes were supported by liberal voices across the country and by a majority of MPs. The House of Commons used the Parliament Act to pass the law, overcoming stiff opposition from the established church’s bishops and their supporters in the House of Lords.

100 years later, tolerance and pluralism have taken root in a modern and confident Wales. Today, the country benefits from a devolved Assembly instituted as a secular body; an open, flourishing, and enriched civic sphere; and strong support for equality and human rights across all demographics, and a broad acceptance of the right to freedom of religion or belief. Wales’ forthcoming new curriculum and rights-based education framework, for example, builds on that proud history and in doing so, sets a positive example to the rest of the UK.

In the era of Welsh devolution, both the Welsh Government and the National Assembly have been run as secular, pluralistic, and inclusive institutions, welcoming people of all religions and beliefs. In that time the country has organised only one state funeral. Rather than the prescribed Anglican ceremonies in English state events, a humanist funeral was chosen for First Minister Rhodri Morgan to reflect his own humanist identity, beliefs, and values.

Wales is not yet a fully secular country. While a secular and pluralistic approach to issues around religion or belief has benefited Wales’ devolved institutions enormously, there remains much progress to be made in areas like schools and local government.

More about the event

This digital event will see the publication of a new report on the positive impact of secularism in Wales, and will feature contributions from speakers Wales Humanists patrons Julie Morgan MS and Dr Iolo Ap Gwynn, Wales Humanists Coordinator Kathy Riddick, and Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson. The event will also examine remaining areas of Welsh life and governance where religious authorities and voices continue to be prioritised and privileged over others.