The congregation of missing Penarth minister, the Rev David Fox, are holding daily vigils of prayer, as they wait for news. Church members are meeting every evening at 5pm and hope to do so until their minister is found. He disappeared more than a week ago, while on a walking holiday in Slovenia.

The leader of the United Reformed Church in Wales, the Rev Peter Noble, was with church members last night (30 June 2008) and will be there again tonight.

He said: “They are sad, but are supporting one another. They remain hopeful that David will be found alive, but they recognise that as time goes by there is less likely to be a happy outcome. They are overwhelmed by the support and caring concern shown by other churches in Penarth, and from the United Reformed Church across Wales, Scotland and England”.

Church secretary, Margaret Oliver, this morning received numerous cards – many from people who knew David Fox earlier in his ministry in Tenby, Bettws (Newport) and Holywell (Clwyd). There have also been supportive messages from people who met him during his holiday in Slovenia or who have known him at some time in the past.

David Fox is 52. As well as being minister of Penarth United Church he is also Clerk to the Wales Synod of the United Reformed Church, a top administrative role. He was due back in Wales on Wednesday 25 June.

There was to have been a surprise party to mark the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a minister.