The event will be held in Powis Hall at Bangor University from 13:30 to 18:00 on Monday 2 November 2026.
The event is hosted by the independent Religion Media Centre in collaboration with Bangor University’s Philosophy, Ethics and Religion subject area and the National Centre of Religious Education for Wales (NCREW).
At a time when stories about religion and belief can touch on deeply held convictions and heightened social tensions, ‘Creating Connections: Religion and the Media in Wales’ will bring journalists, faith representatives, young people and academics into the same room. The aim is to build understanding of how these stories are reported, by making space for difficult questions while also uncovering the everyday work, community connections and positive stories that may receive less attention.
Contributors include the Rt Revd Dr Manon Ceridwen James, recently appointed as the first female Bishop of Bangor; and the Revd Glyn Wise, known to many from Big Brother and now a Church in Wales minister. Alison Gow, a former editor of the Daily Post and a board member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation, will join a panel examining how the media reflects religion in Wales.
Bangor University academics, Professor Nathan Abrams, Dr Joshua Andrews and Dr Gareth Evans-Jones will explore Wales’s contemporary religious landscape and examine the vital role that education plays in shaping understanding of faith, belief and identity. Professor Ruth McElroy will contribute to a panel discussion on publishing and editorial perspectives, while a range of sessions will consider how stories of faith and religion are represented, communicated and engaged with across diverse media platforms. Current students of Philosophy, Ethics and Religion and Media at Bangor University will also play an active role in the event, engaging with speakers, contributing to discussions and sharing their own perspectives on the intersection of faith, culture, education and media in contemporary society.
Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, commented: “Universities should be places where people can ask difficult questions and listen carefully to one another. This event brings together those whose stories are reported and those who report them. I hope the conversations taking place here will help deepen understanding of religion and belief in Wales and bring more of our communities’ stories to light.”
Religion Media Centre Executive Chair, Michael Wakelin says: “The Religion Media Centre is delighted to be working alongside academics at Bangor University to plan and deliver this event. We always work with local groups and organisations to help bring people together and ensure that our events reflect the communities they serve, and we have particularly appreciated the enthusiasm and support we have received from colleagues at Bangor.”
The purpose of the Religion Media Centre is to help raise levels of religious literacy and understanding between faith communities and the media. We frequently hear from faith groups that they feel misunderstood, misrepresented or overlooked. Building stronger local relationships can help address that gap, strengthening understanding and improving social cohesion.”
Creating Connections takes place from 13:30 to 18:00 on Monday 2 November 2026, in Powis Hall, Main Building, Bangor University, LL57 2DG. Tickets are free and can be booked via Eventbrite. For enquiries, please contact info@religionmediacentre.org.uk or 0203 970 0709, or ncrew@bangor.ac.uk
