AN OFFICER of The Salvation Army has been appointed as Chair of Cytûn: a national body that brings together Christian churches in Wales.
Captain Kathryn Stowers, who leads The Salvation Army in Newport, also serves as the church and charity’s Ecumenical Officer for Wales and as an Ecumenical Canon of Newport Cathedral. Capt. Stowers will take up the role as Chair of Cytûn on June 23, succeeding the Reverend Dr Jennie Hurd, a senior Methodist minister.
Cytûn helps Welsh churches work together and speak with one voice on big issues like health and poverty. It also supports local charitable initiatives including food banks and represents church interests at major events such as the National Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show.
Capt. Kathryn Stowers said: “It is an honour and privilege to be appointed to this role at such an important time for churches in Wales. The Salvation Army has always believed in working alongside other Christians to serve our communities.
“I am committed to strengthening the bonds of unity between our denominations and I look forward to working with members to ensure that Christians are empowered to speak on the many shared challenges facing our society.”
Cytûn’s membership includes churches from a wide range of traditions, including the Catholic Church, the Church in Wales, United Reformed Church, Methodist Church, Orthodox churches, Pentecostal denominations and various independent congregations.
Dr Cynan Llwyd, General Secretary of Cytûn, welcomed Capt. Stowers to the role.
He said: “Kathryn is widely respected for her pastoral leadership, her commitment to supporting vulnerable people in Newport, and her ability to build bridges between organisations and communities.
“Her appointment comes at a time when Christian communities are navigating rapid social change and seeking to demonstrate the relevance and compassion of the Gospel in contemporary Welsh society.”
More information visit The Salvation Army website and Cytûn’s website (where both Welsh and English is available).
