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Religion and Places of Worship in South Wales

• April 09, 2021

Wales has several ethnic communities, many of whose members belong to non-Christian faiths. All the world's major religions are present in the country, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. Find below just a few examples of what Places of Worship, South Wales has to offer!

Mosques

There are 47 mosques in Wales, all governed by the Muslim Council of Wales; a broad-based umbrella organisation.

Berea Masjid Mosque

The Berea Masjid Mosque is home to the Imaan Islamic Society and is the only mosque in the South Wales Valleys. The mosque has a grand atmosphere, owing to its historical beginnings as a church.  There are ample prayer facilities for men and women, with comfortable, practical segregation.  There are excellent ablution (wudu) facilities for both men and women, including a sit-down shower. As well as the establishment of daily prayers, attendants of the mosque organise the weekly Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer, where an enlightening, relevant sermon is given in both Arabic and English. 

You can find out more about the community, by contacting them on their Facebook here.

Islamic Centre Aberdare

The Islamic Centre Aberdare is a masjid and a place of worship for Muslims. It is situated in the Robertstown area of Aberdare and is known for having a very friendly and welcoming imam.
 

Churches

Most South Wales villages boast both church and chapel, including those surrounding Cwm Taf.

Parish of Pontypridd

The Parish is made up of a group of churches in and around Pontypridd, who worship using different formats; bringing a mix of traditional and contemporary approaches. The Churches within the Parish, each following their own worshipping and service schedules, are as follows:

• St Catherines  
• St Davids
• St Luke, Rhydyfelin
• St Mary
• St Luke, Cilfyndd
• St Johns
• St Gwynno

Click here to find out more.

St Illtud’s

St Illtud's Church is a church complex in Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan. The church has among its features: spectacular medieval wall paintings, a carved stone ‘Jesse niche’ and medieval reredos, Celtic stones dating back to the 8th century, squints, and a wonderful 15th century oak roof in the western part of the church.

The Church offers regular services, including Morning Prayers, Sunday Service, Toddler Church, Church Choir, Mothers Union and Faith & Fellowship workshops. Click here to find out more.

Synagogues

The Synagogues in South Wales can be found in the Cardiff area.

Cardiff Reform Synagogue

The Synagogue was founded in 1948 by two members of the Cardiff Jewish Community. The Cardiff Reform Synagogue has a long history of affiliation to the Movement for Reform Judaism and are a Community proud of their diverse membership. From Friday night Chavurah dinners to Passover Communal Seders, to Purim Spiels, to Chanukah parties, life at Cardiff Reform Synagogue is anything but dull. Click here to find out more.
 

Cardiff United Synagogue

The Cardiff United Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue in the Cyncoed suburb of Cardiff, Wales. The synagogue maintains daily prayer services, led by Rabbi Michoel Rose and has many great programmes, with an active hebrew school, bridge club, youth activites, film shows, educational lectures, discussion groups and many other communal activities. Also very active are their care committees and charitable services. The Synagogue is also a champion of interfaith dialogue and works to promote links with other religions. Click here to find out more.

Sikh Gurdwaras

The Gurdwaras in South Wales can be found in both Cardiff or Swansea.

Pearl Street Gurdwara Sahib

This Gurdwara was established in 1977 and has been serving the community ever since. It is open to vistors of all faiths and backgrounds and has daily services in both the morning and evening. The Gurdwara also offers Punjabi and Gurmukhi Lessons and Gurmat Classes! Click here to find out more

Mandirs

The Hindu Council of Wales provides one voice that can bring about positive changes to the Hindu community and Wales as a whole.

Shree Swaminarayan

The largest Hindu temple in Wales, with a normal attendance number of around 300, Shree Swaminarayan can be found in Grangetown, Cardiff. Their main function is to advance the Hindu Religion according to the teaching of Lord Swaminarayan set out in the Sampraday Scriptures.

The other areas to include: Health Awareness; Provide for school religious education via school visits to the temple; mother tongue teaching; cultural/arts/sports activities for the young, the elderly and the disabled; provided advocacy, advice and information.  To find out more, click here.