Latest news with #BishopOfBangor
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Archbishop of Wales retires after critical reports on cathedral behaviour
The Archbishop of Wales has announced his retirement after a critical report raised complaints about alcohol use and sexual behaviour at his diocese. Andrew John confirmed he would be stepping down with immediate effect in a statement issued on Friday evening. He will also retire as Bishop of Bangor on August 31. The move follows a safeguarding review at Bangor Cathedral, which identified 'a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred' and 'promiscuity was acceptable'. There is no suggestion the archbishop behaved inappropriately. Mr John commissioned two reports into the North Wales cathedral in October last year. A summary of a report shared on the Church in Wales' website said there were also reports of 'inappropriate language, rude jokes and innuendoes in the choir that left some feeling unsafe and marginalised'. Inappropriate language was also used in front of younger members of the choir and at times caused 'humiliation to some', the report's compilers were told. Other issues raised included the presence of hurtful gossip, a poor safeguarding approach and weak financial controls. Announcing his retirement, Mr John said: 'It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years. 'I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire.' After the publication of a summary into the reports earlier this year, the archbishop said: 'I acknowledge that these findings are hard to hear – but they must be faced if we are to move forward with integrity.' 'I have begun reflecting on what I must learn from this process – not only as a leader, but as a fellow pilgrim,' he added. 'While this has been a sobering time, it also offers us opportunity for change. It will mean hard work, but it can also bring healing, and we do not do this alone.' Mr John became Bishop of Bangor in 2008 and was elected Archbishop of Wales in December 2021.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- BBC News
Bangor Cathedral: Multiple serious referrals in a year
Six serious incident referrals relating to a cathedral that was criticised in a safeguarding review were made to the Charity Commission in just over a year. Four related to safeguarding at Bangor Cathedral in Gwynedd while two concerned financial included allegations over large amounts of diocesan funds being spent on cathedral matters, which a whistleblower said should be deemed inappropriate as they are classified as two separate Charity Commission said it would make recommendations for improvements to the charities concerned, while the Chapter of Bangor Cathedral said it took its "responsibilities for good governance very seriously". A serious incident referral is a report to the Charity Commission detailing an event that resulted in or risks significant harm, loss, or damage to a charity and is a legal requirement for all registered Newyddion S4C was told members of the cathedral community made a whistleblowing complaint to the commission listing dozens of perceived failings at the cathedral and diocese in October. These included the ordination of a priest allegedly against the recommendation of the discernment panel, who later became a cathedral official before serving the usual period of Cathedral insiders believe the Bishop of Bangor and Archbishop of Wales Andrew John approved the ordination and subsequent promotion of the official involved. There were concerns as this went against the wishes of the discernment panel and the individual in question rose unusually quickly through the church Cathedral said the individual served their curacy period and the discernment panel made recommendations, with bishops having the discretion to make an alternative decision, such as in this former official, who has left the cathedral and the priesthood, did not want to talk on the record when asked. Separately to the serious incident referrals, whistleblowers contacted the Charity Commission late last year with complaints about mismanagement and financial irregularities within the diocese and was alleged £418,000 had been spent on new furniture for the cathedral, part-funded by the diocese, with about £20,000 being spent on three trips abroad - two to Rome and one to is alleged the trips were paid for by the diocese, despite mainly involving cathedral staff, with the second Rome visit characterised by its is said to have involved "an overnight stay in the Radisson at Manchester Airport before an early flight, followed by accommodation in four-star hotels in Rome, plus dinner and taxis throughout".It was also alleged that "most of the participants on the second and third trips did not contribute towards the cost". Earlier this month, report summaries published on the Church in Wales website outlined complaints about a "culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred".The Church in Wales has formed an implementation group to carry out both reports' recommendations and an oversight board to scrutinise their Tuesday, a statement from the Most Reverend Andrew John said he was committed to the work of "repair, of rebuilding trust and of creating a healthier culture - together". Bangor Cathedral acknowledged there had been inadequate consultation and information regarding the expenditure on cathedral furniture, but said money for the trips abroad came from diocesan funds rather than from the cathedral' added that the dean and chapter had agreed to pay back funds spent by the diocese that should have been paid by them. It also said the cathedral chapter had sought help from national Church in Wales staff to help correct some financial record-keeping Chapter of Bangor Cathedral said during its meeting on Monday that it discussed financial record-keeping and procedures and, as a result, decided a serious incident report should be sent to the Charity added that it would work with the commission "to ensure that the issue is resolved as quickly as possible and that any improvements which need to be made in our procedures are put into place without delay".
