Held in Powis Hall, the event explored how religion is represented, understood and discussed in contemporary society, bringing together journalists, academics, students, community leaders and charity representatives to share perspectives and build new partnerships.
Co-organised by the Religion Media Centre, Bangor University’s Philosophy, Ethics and Religion subject area, and the National Centre of Religious Education for Wales, the day focused on strengthening dialogue between faith communities and the media while encouraging greater religious literacy and public understanding. As questions of religion, identity and belief continue to feature prominently in public discourse, the event underscored the importance of religious literacy and informed media engagement in helping individuals and communities navigate complex social issues.
Following a welcome from Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Enlli Thomas, the event was hosted by the Reverend Glyn Wise and Emma Meese, who guided participants through a wide-ranging programme of presentations, interviews and discussion. Contributors included Rev Dr Manon Ceridwen James, Bishop of Bangor, who reflected on faith, leadership and public life; broadcaster John Roberts of BBC Radio Cymru’s Bwrw Golwg; and a media panel featuring Professor Ruth McElroy, Alison Gow and Jonathan Thomas, which explored the relationship between faith communities and journalism in Wales.
The programme also highlighted the perspectives of young people, with sixth-form learners and university students expressing how religion is encountered through news, social media and digital platforms. Discussions throughout the day drew on the expertise of representatives from education, community organisations, faith groups and the third sector, reflecting the diversity of voices shaping public conversations about religion in Wales today.
A particular highlight was a series of short presentations showcasing faith, cultural and community initiatives from across North Wales, demonstrating the breadth of activity taking place within the region and the value of collaboration between organisations.
Reflecting on the event, co-organiser Dr Joshua Andrews said, “One of the most encouraging aspects of the day was seeing new connections develop between people whose work overlaps, but who may rarely have the opportunity to meet. Bringing educators, journalists, faith representatives and community organisations together opens up possibilities for collaboration that can continue well beyond the event itself.”
Fellow co-organiser Dr Gareth Evans-Jones added, “Religion remains an important part of how many people understand themselves, their communities and the world around them, and the ways it is represented in the media matter significantly. Creating Connections gave us a valuable opportunity to bring different experiences into the same room, ask thoughtful questions and listen to one another. The energy of those conversations demonstrated just how much there is to explore together.”
Professor Ruth McElroy, Head of the School of Arts and Humanities, said, “One of the great strengths of the humanities is their ability to bring people together to explore complex questions from different perspectives. Creating Connections demonstrated the value of dialogue between faith communities, media professionals, educators and researchers, while highlighting the important contribution that religion continues to make to Welsh public life. We were delighted to host an event that embodied the School’s commitment to fostering understanding, critical inquiry and civic engagement.”
The event highlighted the importance of informed reporting on religion and demonstrated the value of meaningful engagement between media organisations, educators and faith communities. With new relationships established and future collaborations already emerging, Creating Connections provided a strong foundation for continued dialogue across Wales.