A village nestled at the foot of Snowdon in North Wales, known for its allure to climbers and hikers, is set to welcome its first chaplain dedicated to the outdoors community.
The Diocese of Bangor, in collaboration with Rural Ministries, has announced the appointment of Jill Ireland as the outdoors chaplain for Llanberis.
Her role is aimed at bridging faith with the vibrant outdoor activities scene that thrives in this area. Ireland brings a wealth of experience from her decade-long tenure in Thailand with Sports Friends Asia and her work with Christians in Sport, where she engaged in evangelism and outreach events for athletes and offered chaplaincy services to elite sportswomen. Since 2015, she has served as deputy global leader at Sports Friends, demonstrating her dedication to pioneering ministry within sports communities.
She said in a statement: “The invitation of this Outdoor Chaplain role to live out the gospel in both word and deed amongst the outdoor community of Bro Eryri thrills me! I’m excited to move to Llanberis, start learning Welsh and become active in the Eryri outdoor community.
“I am excited to begin building relationships and connections with outdoors. I look forward to working collaboratively with the local ministry team, steering group, project sponsors and diocesan colleagues in seeking to be attentive to where and how God is already at work within the outdoor community and discerning how best we can be a part of that."
The appointment also coincides with Canon Naomi Starkey taking up her role as ministry area leader of Bro Eryri, which encompasses Penisa’rwaun, Llanberis, and Nant Peris within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. The Diocese of Bangor said it marks a new chapter for the Christian community in Eryri after six years without full-time spiritual leadership.
Archdeacon David Parry said: “Whether or not they live locally, everyone in the outdoor community shares a love of Eryri. Jill’s appointment is a sign of the Church’s commitment to everyone who finds joy and meaning in this precious landscape. We are so grateful to Rural Ministries for their help and can’t wait to welcome Jill who I am sure will make an impact on the spiritual landscape of Llanberis.”
Canon David Morris, director of ministry, added: “This new chaplaincy to the outdoor community will be one of many of its kind in diocese. We want to help people make connections with faith through their interests and hobbies. We hope these will be exciting and attractive opportunities for lay and ordained people to share the good news of Jesus Christ by meeting people where they are and providing opportunities to encounter, know and love God.”
An outdoor service on 15th June at Llyn Padarn will officially mark the beginning of Ireland’s ministry.
