During the late 18th century, a sizeable missionary movement arose in Wales. It was part of a wider international movement that would have far-reaching consequences religiously, culturally and socially as Christianity transformed from being primarily the religion of the north-west of the world to one that was truly worldwide.

Two of Wales’ most prominent missionaries in the 19th century were John Davies (1772-1855) of Montgomeryshire and Griffith John (1831-1912) of Swansea. Both were missionaries for over 50 years, one in the South Sea Islands and the other in China. Wil Aaron is currently preparing a detailed study of John Davies’ life and work, whilst John Aaron has previously published a book about Griffith John.

In this discussion chaired by Carwyn Graves, the two brothers will look at the contributions of both missionaries, not least their efforts in translating parts of the Bible in to Tahitian and Chinese. Topics such as colonisation, polyethnicity and globalisation are frequently discussed in the modern day, and by looking at both missionaries’ work, we can see what happens when very different cultures meet.

**Welsh language event – simultaneous translation provided.**