New course explores spirituality and living faith

A new course has been launched by the Archbishop of Wales to help people explore spirituality and faith in today's world.

The Living Faith course will run in the Diocese of Llandaff, which covers southern Wales.

It has been designed for use by Christians and non-Christians alike, and addresses questions of faith, prayer, the Bible and church.

There is the option of doing assignments during each model and everyone who completes the course will receive a certificate.

Archbishop Barry Morgan said, “My vision for the whole Church in Wales is to try and provide a means whereby we can deepen our sense of what it is to be followers of Jesus.

"The Living Faith course is designed to do precisely that. It is aimed at everyone who is interested in being a better disciple (and we all fall into that category) and to do so alongside others in groups.”

The Rev Canon Richard Lowndes, the lay training and coaching officer for Llandaff Diocese, said the course was practical, rather than academic.

“This programme of learning is designed for anyone who is interested in exploring faith it will also enable you to grow your faith, deepen your discipleship, or perhaps to prepare for a particular role in the life of your church," he said.

"It is based on experience and reflection. It is not academic like a college course. It will help you to gain a greater understanding of God’s relationship with you, his Church and the world, and help you to grow and mature in your discipleship.

"Some people will engage deeply with the course, others will just be exploring these issues at a different level – it really is for all comers.”

The course is being rolled out across the diocese after being successfully piloted over the last two years.

Debs Redwood-Knight was part of a group that took the course at Christ Church, Radyr, in 2010.

She said, “Not only is it a very interesting course, it has also given me confidence to do more in church and to discuss my faith with others.”

Sheila Jones, from Penygraig, said, “The course helped me to discover a little more about who I am, a little more about God and broadened my faith a lot. It was challenging but hugely rewarding and fun - a fabulous taster.”

A Living Faith Facebook page has been set up for people to post comments.