Welsh chapel launches beer and Bible classes

Pews are being ditched for pints as part of a Merthyr Tydfil chapel’s bid to bring in younger worshippers.

A men-only beer and Bible session is just one of the new initiatives at the soon-to-be refurbished Hope Chapel in the High Street, Pontmorlais, as new ministers Tony Graham and Gareth Lloyd try to break down the boundaries between Christians and the wider community.



“We’re putting sofas and bar stools in the basement to have a relaxing evening and learn what the Bible’s about,” said Mr Lloyd.

“Drinking isn’t a sin but people from other generations think of it as so because of alcohol abuse and the bad consequences that can come of it. Forty or 50 guys will be here, studying the Bible with a pint of beer in their hand.”