THE PRESIDENT of the Union of Welsh Independent Churches has used his Easter message to highlight the continuing suffering caused by violence and war — and to call for a future where graves remain empty.

The Revd Jeff Williams, who represents more than 300 chapels across Wales, drew parallels between the hatred that led to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and the modern-day violence that continues to claim innocent lives around the world.

He said: “The same hatred and systems of oppression that crucified Jesus are still killing countless thousands of innocent people by bullets and bombs today.”

In a heartfelt reflection on current global conflicts, Revd Williams spoke of the pain seen daily on television screens, as grieving families bury their loved ones.

“As we watch heartbroken relatives weeping over graves being filled with the bodies of their loved ones, we pray for the day when graves remain empty — free from the victims of war and violence,” he said.

The Easter story’s central image of an empty tomb was offered as a sign of hope and challenge.

“The empty grave of Easter speaks of a future where peace and reconciliation prevail,” he said. “It challenges every one of us — whether we have a religious faith or not — to do all we can to promote peace, beginning in our own hearts.”

The Union of Welsh Independent Churches, known in Welsh as Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg, is a fellowship of congregations rooted in the tradition of Welsh nonconformity, with deep historical ties to peace-making and social justice.

PLANS to convert a print works, and former church, close to Pembroke Castle to a holiday let have been approved after being refused last year.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Criag Odlin sought permission for a change of use of the Printing Works, The Green, Pembroke – in the town’s conservation area – to holiday accommodation.

The site is located within the 500m buffer zone of Schedule Ancient Monuments Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Town Wall and Priory Farm Cave.

A previous application was refused last year on the grounds “the nature of the proposed development is considered to have a potential to impact on the protected species and their habitats,” adding: “ Whilst the application includes a Green Infrastructure Statement and demonstrates biodiversity enhancements, the application lacks the provision of a protected species survey.  In the absence of such information, the proposed development fails to demonstrate a positive approach to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and thus fails to accord [with policy].”

An officer report on the latest proposal, recommending approval, said: “The development would provide new self-catering accommodation within the settlement boundary for the Hub Town of Pembroke, resulting in positive environmental and social impacts through the appropriate re-use of the building and the increase in availability of varied accommodation in the local area and positive economic benefits through expenditure on building materials and on labour during constriction.”

It went on to say: “With regard to ecology, there are multiple bat records in the area, with the building having the potential to support bats. A Preliminary Roost Assessment and a Green Infrastructure Statement (GIS) have been submitted, the assessment identifies that bats were not using the site and that no further survey work is considered necessary.

“The GIS demonstrates a stepwise approach to the development and proposes biodiversity enhancement measures.”

The application was conditionally approved.

DELYTH EVANS is the Government’s preferred candidate for the S4C Chair, the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced this week (Apr 16).

Delyth started her career as a journalist at HTV Wales, working on the flagship current affairs programme ‘Y Byd ar Bedwar’ for S4C. She subsequently worked as a reporter on BBC Radio Four’s ‘World at One’ and ‘PM’ programmes. Delyth became a Labour Member of the Welsh Assembly (now the Senedd) in 2000, representing the Mid and West Wales constituency, and was a deputy minister for Culture, Environment and Rural Affairs. After stepping down from politics Delyth worked in the charity sector as Chief Executive of Smart Works, a women’s employment charity. Delyth is currently a Board member at Sport Wales, a Governor at Coleg Gwent, and a trustee of the Alacrity Foundation and the Urdd.

Delyth will now appear on 23 April before MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for pre-appointment scrutiny.

This process for appointing the Chair of S4C is set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990.    

Ministers were assisted in their decision-making by an Advisory Assessment Panel which included a departmental official and a senior independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Welsh Government and UK Government Wales office were also represented on the Panel.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Delyth began her career as a broadcast journalist, and her vision for S4C’s future reflects a deep understanding of the Welsh cultural and media landscape, as well as an enduring commitment to public service. 

“I’m pleased to recommend her for the role of Chair, in which she will no doubt be a proud champion of Welsh-language broadcasting. This marks an exciting chapter for S4C as we develop plans to boost the job opportunities and growth potential of the creative industries in Wales and the rest of the UK.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Delyth has a great track record in broadcasting and wealth of experience in public service to bring to the role of S4C Chair. 

“S4C plays a pivotal role in Wales, sustaining and promoting the Welsh language and strengthening our unique identity and culture. The channel is a cornerstone of the strong creative sector in Wales which is vital for economic growth.”