South Wales Baptist Association (BUGB)

The South Wales Baptist Association (BUGB) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation registered as a charity under number 1102735. It serves primarily as a supporting body for Baptist churches across South Wales, promoting the Christian faith through its activities and ministry work within the Baptist denomination.

History and Organisation

Incorporated as a private limited company by guarantee without share capital on 7 December 2001, the South Wales Baptist Association operates under the legal framework of Companies House as company number 04336086. It is part of the wider Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB), which encompasses Baptist churches throughout England and Wales, including two associations within Wales: the South Wales Baptist Association and the North West Association[3][4].

Mission and Activities

The key mission of the South Wales Baptist Association is the promotion of the Christian faith, principally through supporting local Baptist churches in the South Wales region. This support manifests through guidance on mission and ministry, facilitating training and learning opportunities, and providing advice on church organisation, property, and trusteeship matters. It serves as a resource and fellowship network for its member churches, helping them respond to the challenges of a modern, post-Christian society[2][5].

Financial Information

For the financial year ending 31 December 2022, the Association reported a total income of £270,492 and total expenditure of £187,820. The charity does not engage in public fundraising and has no trading subsidiaries. Additionally, trustees do not receive remuneration or benefits from the organisation[5].

Governance

The Association is governed by a board of trustees (currently nine), who oversee its strategic direction and ensure compliance with legal and charitable obligations. The charity employs staff to carry out its functions but none receive total benefits exceeding £60,000 annually[5].

Relationship with Wider Baptist Networks

The South Wales Baptist Association maintains strong ties with the Baptist Union of Great Britain as well as other Baptist unions across the UK and Ireland, sharing fellowship and collaborating on mission initiatives. It is also part of the broader network of Baptist churches affiliated with the Baptist World Alliance and European Baptist Federation. The Association's role complements that of the Baptist Union of Wales, with which it shares collaborative relationships, reflecting mutual support among Baptist congregations across the region[2][4].

This organisation plays a significant role in sustaining and nurturing Baptist church life in South Wales, supporting congregations through spiritual, organisational, and practical resources in line with its Christian mission.

[1] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04336086/filing-history?page=3 [2] https://buw.wales/who-are-we/about-us/what-we-believe/ [3] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04336086 [4] https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/223473/South_Wales.aspx [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1102735&subid=0