Churches in Wales are warning that ‘tragic’ cuts to Theology and the Humanities could erase Christian studies from Welsh universities.
In an open letter to key figures in Welsh education and government, Churches Together in Wales (Cytûn) argues that proposed cuts to teaching and research in these fields could ‘devastate’ Welsh culture and weaken the ability to teach and study key subjects in the Welsh language.
It comes as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is closing its humanities campus in Lampeter, moving teaching to Carmarthen with significant reductions, particularly in theology. Meanwhile, Cardiff University is scaling back most humanities teaching, including history, ancient languages, and music.
Speaking to Premier Christian News, Cytûn’s Policy Officer, Gethin Rhys, explains that these changes effectively mark the end of theology as an academic subject in Wales: “There will still be some theology teaching in Cardiff provided by theological colleges. So, training for ministry will be able to continue.” However, the opportunity to study theology in a broader academic setting will disappear.
Cytûn is urging the government and universities to rethink these cuts, warning of their impact on Welsh society. The letter highlights concern over the loss of religious studies, stating that “a good understanding of religion is extremely important in fostering mutual understanding from the local level to the global level.”
Rhys emphasises the significance of theology in Wales’ cultural identity: “Even if you've no interest in religion as such, Christianity has been absolutely core to Welsh history and culture since the time of St. David. For 1700 years, it's been at the heart of Welsh identity and life. You cannot understand Welsh history or literature, in English or in Welsh, without understanding the background out of which it grew.”
The letter also questions what will happen to university resources and theological archives, asking whether they will be preserved for future students and researchers. Cytûn is calling on the Welsh Government to provide clarity and ensure that these subjects continue to have a place in Welsh higher education.
