5. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Religious buildings

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:11 pm on 23 March 2022.

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Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 4:11, 23 March 2022

(Translated)

I agree. Peredur has made an important point there. There are chapels empty, so why shouldn't the denominations come together to make use of a chapel that's only used part time at the moment? That's an important point from Peredur.

But we mustn't forget too that these buildings weren’t constructed solely for religious purposes, but deliberately as community assets, as has been mentioned by Rhys. Indeed, if you read the articles of establishment for a few of these chapels, they mention religious purposes, but also political and social purposes specifically, with large political meetings, very often, held in these chapels, with assemblies and concerts too. They were buildings that were focal points for the community, and they were multipurpose buildings, so it’s right that we discuss how to take on these buildings and repurpose them for alternative uses today.

Thank you very much to Mike for the debate, and I very much hope that the motion will be accepted unopposed. Thank you.