page_title: Union of Welsh Independents
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Union of Welsh Independents / History
caption_attribution_description: Taken in 1995. The chapel is affiliated to the Union of Welsh Independents,
context_page_description: The Union of Welsh Independents is a Reformed congregationalist denomination in Wales.
context_section_description: Welsh congregational churches or Independents stand in the Puritan tradition. The first congregational congregation was founded at Llanfaches in 1639. Early founders were in the puritan tradition. Later several churches were founded and formed separate denominations. They embraced different theological positions. Finally the denomination was founded in 1872 as a voluntary association of churches. They called it Independent because each congregation claims to be under the authority of Christ. Individual congregations cooperate through associations. Now the Union works through six departments: finance, mission, ministry, education, churches, communication. The Union churches have much in common with other free churches in Wales. Ministers can freely move their ministry among them. The Unions council met once a year. The Union is a free and voluntary body, its aims to help to make churches a fellowship that serve Jesus Christ. The church has high emphasis on preaching the Gospel, and education, empowering church members. The denomination currently is working on a new mission strategy, the AGAPE program, started in 2005. The latest strategy is the Welsh Independents Development Programme.
caption: St Mary's church (Anglican) and Capel Sul (Independent) in Kidwelly
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