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ITV News
4 hours ago
- ITV News
The Church in Wales announces Cherry Vann as first female Archbishop
The Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann, will become the Church in Wales' first female and gay Archbishop. Her election follows the retirement of the Bishop of Bangor, Andrew John, who held the office of Archbishop of Wales for three-and-a-half years. He stepped down in August after two reports published concerns about Bangor Cathedral. One detailed reports of inappropriate behaviour, lack of boundaries and excessive alcohol consumption. At the time, the Church in Wales said it takes safeguarding extremely seriously. The former Archbishop said the findings "offer [...] opportunity for change". There was no suggestion that Andrew John behaved inappropriately. The Church in Wales has since called for a number of reviews and investigations of Bangor diocese and cathedral following 'deeply troubling' revelations. Cherry Vann was chosen from among the five serving Welsh bishops to become Wales' 15th Archbishop and the first woman to hold the position. Reacting to the news, she said: 'The first thing I shall need to do is to ensure that the issues which have been raised in the last six months are properly addressed and that I work to bring healing and reconciliation, and to build a really good level of trust across the Church and the communities the Church serves.' She was elected having secured a two-thirds majority vote from members of the Electoral College on the second day of its meeting at the St Pierre Church and Hotel in Chepstow. She will be enthroned at Newport Cathedral at a later date. Originally from Leicestershire, Cherry was consecrated as Bishop of Monmouth five years ago. Before that, she was among the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994. She then served as Archdeacon of Rochdale, in the Diocese of Manchester, for 11 years. She lives with her civil partner Wendy and their two dogs and was also a member of The Church in England's Archbishops' Pastoral Advisory Group, charged with creating resources to help churches welcome LGBTQI+ people. The Very Revd Ian Black, Dean of Newport, welcomed the news on behalf of the Diocese of Monmouth. He said: 'Cherry is the right person for this moment in the Church in Wales' life. She has the skills and vision that we need to restore trust following some very public failings. "She has brought stability to the Diocese of Monmouth, managing the change to ministry areas with clarity and purpose, showing deep care for the clergy and people. This foundation will be a good base as she leads the Province over the next few years. "She has a deep faith, which is also open to those who take a different view to her, and this has impressed those people enormously. "I look forward to supporting her as Dean of her Cathedral. One of our duties and pleasures here is to pray for the bishop every day and we will continue to do so gladly.'
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Headteacher celebrates 'rollercoaster' 15 years at school
PUPILS at a Powys primary school have thrown their departing headteacher a special rollercoaster-themed farewell, to honour his love of theme parks. Adam Shearman has been the headteacher of Llanelwedd Church in Wales Primary School, near Builth Wells, for 15 years, but is heading to another school in the county in September. Llanelwedd deputy head Satu Haikala said staff and pupils 'brought Disneyworld to Llanelwedd' as a way of giving Mr Shearman a fitting send-off at the end of term. Members of staff planned a special surprise to honour Mr Shearman's love of theme parks with a surprise roller coaster ride around the school grounds. The playground was decorated as a theme park and a special cart had been designed as a 'rollercoaster', where children in Year 6 pushed Mr Shearman through specially decorated theme lands that included references to his favourite theme parks; as well as to the other schools that he has supported over the last 15 years. All the pupils wore Disney-themed outfits and lined up in rows for Mr Shearman to be pushed through. They waved, cheered, threw streamers and joined in the fun. Mr Shearman had no idea that staff and pupils had conspired to organise the leaving party. 'I didn't have a clue,' he said. 'Bearing in mind we have 113 children, not one of them said a word. They knew it was a secret. 'When I walked into school I was met by our deputy headteacher, dressed as one of Snow White's dwarves. 'I then walked into assembly to see the whole school dressed as Disney characters. The staff were dressed as Snow White and her dwarves.' Another teacher, Paul Walby, who is also leaving this term, was dressed as Snow White herself. Ms Haikala, the school's deputy head, said: 'We had a collection and didn't make enough to send Mr Shearman to Disneyworld, so we brought Disneyworld to Llanelwedd.' The children also sang songs from their recent production of the Wizard of Oz. Mr Shearman joined the school in 2010, when it had just 43 children; he now leaves the school with 94 pupils, with a further 19 in the school-based pre-school setting. On the school's Facebook page he said: 'I find myself reflecting on the journey we've shared. 'Llanelwedd school has never been just a place of learning, it has been a living, breathing community where curiosity is encouraged, resilience is built and compassion is celebrated. 'Together, we've weathered challenges (and flooding), embraced change and created a culture that values both academic achievements and empathy. 'Over the years the school has grown and developed, but at its heart is the children. The children at Llanelwedd are like family.' The was described as 'thriving' by Church in Wales inspectors who visited just before Easter. 'The true legacy of a school lies not in its buildings or measured by the awards it wins but is in the hearts and minds of those who pass through its doors,' added Mr Shearman. 'As I move on to new adventures, I leave with immense pride and unwavering hope for the future of this remarkable school. 'I know the school is in very safe hands with the new headteacher, Ms Haikala, and the wonderful staff team here. 'I would like to thank the whole school community for their support, good wishes and contributions. It has truly been an honour to serve as the headteacher of this very special place.'
BBC News
11-07-2025
- BBC News
Ex-Archbishop of Wales was aware of sexual assault allegations
The former Archbishop of Wales has admitted he was aware of a safeguarding incident involving a drunken sexual assault in his diocese, despite previously denying knowledge of "that sort of behaviour".Andrew John retired with immediate effect as Archbishop of Wales on 27 June and will retire as Bishop of Bangor at the end of Saturday, a BBC investigation revealed the alleged assault was by a man seeking to become a initially denying any awareness in a BBC interview, a Church in Wales spokesperson has confirmed the matter had been reported to Andrew John but it said the man had no licence to officiate, which Mr John said his comments referred to. The BBC investigation found that in 2022, a man training to become a priest sexually assaulted a member of the Bangor Cathedral choir while he was the alleged victim came forward, the man issued an apology, and his training to become a priest was discontinued. Mr John's retirement follows the publication of the summaries of two critical reports which mentioned "a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred", excessive alcohol consumption, as well as governance and safeguarding weaknesses at Bangor there is no suggestion the archbishop behaved inappropriately, the church's representative body had said there must be a "change in leadership, procedures and governance in the Diocese of Bangor".After the publication of the summaries, he had faced criticism and calls to stand down, with calls for an independent inquiry into the diocese. On 6 July, BBC Radio Cymru's Bwrw Golwg programme broadcast an interview with the former Archbishop. Amongst many questions, the presenter asked Mr John whether he was aware about the sexual assault the woman had reported. He responded by saying: "No, no. "I have never seen clerics with the choir or misbehaving at all."So I'm not sure what's behind this story but the conduct I've seen is people having a good time and relaxing within acceptable boundaries." After the programme aired, a member of the public got in touch with BBC-produced Newyddion S4C claiming it was "highly likely" Mr John would have been aware of a decision not to continue with the priest's training. "It is likely then that John was aware of the culture of drinking at his cathedral in late 2022 and that his denial on Bwrw Golwg was an untruth," the person added. In a statement of response, a Bangor Cathedral spokesperson confirmed the matter was brought to the bishop's attention in said the Provincial Safeguarding Team reviewed the incident and recommended that the individual should not attend the team also advised that any attendance at a Church in Wales place of worship must be subject to a safeguarding agreement - which the church said was implemented."The Bishop wishes to clarify that the person was not in training but a priest ordained in the Church of England who had moved to Wales and was seeking a return to ministry. "At the time of this incident the priest did not have any licence or permission to officiate from the Church in Wales," the spokesperson said. The Church also confirmed that an internal investigation took place, with recommendations and advice passed to the asked about the apparent discrepancy between Andrew John's Bwrw Golwg interview and the Church's statement, a Church in Wales spokesperson said: "The Bishop was referring to clerics officiating with his licence or permission. "This individual had neither."
BBC News
09-07-2025
- BBC News
Police investigate sex abuse claims against men linked to Church
A convicted bishop and a former vicar of the Church in Wales are being investigated by detectives over allegations of historical sexual abuse, the BBC can people have told BBC Wales Investigates about abuse being ignored at the crisis-hit Church and have called for an independent Bishop of Swansea and Brecon Anthony Pierce, jailed for child sexual abuse earlier this year, faces fresh historical sex abuse allegations while a former vicar is also being investigated by South Wales Church in Wales have said they were "profoundly sorry" and apologised to "anyone who has suffered or been let down by failings." Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of sexual assaultThe BBC investigation found concerns about Pierce were reported to Church officials in 1986 - 13 years before he became Bishop of Swansea and Brecon - but nothing was victim has waived his right to anonymity to speak out and questions how a "predator" was allowed to become a Bishop when serious concerns had been raised about him. It is the latest controversy to hit the Church in Wales after the Archbishop of Wales retired last month after two critical reports highlighted safeguarding concerns where "sexual boundaries seemed blurred" at his north Wales diocese of who sang with the Bangor Cathedral choir also told the BBC there had been a "binge drinking culture".Although there is no suggestion the former archbishop behaved inappropriately. the church's representative body said there must be a "change in leadership, procedures and governance in the diocese of Bangor".BBC Wales understands the current police investigation is looking into historical sexual abuse allegations against Pierce, as well as a former vicar of the Church in alleged victims, from across Wales whose allegations span decades, have told BBC Wales Investigates they want an independent inquiry into the Church in Wales abuse. Alisdair Adams was 18 and at University College Swansea, now Swansea University, when he first met Pierce who was a parish priest in the city in the 1980s. "He invited me to his house for dinner to see how we could work together and gave me lots of white wine and no food," said Alisdair, now said Pierce moved to sit on the arm of the sofa before the lights went out suddenly."He grabbed me and pulled me into him and held me tightly," he added. "I could feel his erect penis through his brown nylon trousers." 'He was the predator and we were the prey' Alisdair said he left immediately and reported the incident to a Methodist said he was invited to speak to the Anglican campus chaplain and said two other students were interviewed that day about Pierce. BBC Wales Investigates has spoken to Mark Dickey-Collas, who was also interviewed. He said he was also invited to Pierce's house and offered alcohol before the lights went out and Pierce came onto said the chaplain reported his concerns to the Church and Pierce was banned from campus and university Church in Wales said it was not aware of the report but confirmed it was undertaking enquiries into how it responded at the time. Pierce continued as a priest and worked as chaplain at Swansea's Singleton Hospital. He became Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in 1999, and met the then Prince Charles, now King Charles, while he was on a visit to Swansea in admitted five charges of indecent assault against a boy under the age of 16 between 1985 and 1990 and was sentenced to four years and one month in March. "I'm dumbfounded as to why this man with allegations swirling around him in 1985 and 1986 was allowed to be employed by the church," Alisdair told BBC Wales Investigates."And they promoted him to Bishop. He was a predator and we were the prey and the Church did nothing about it."The Church is currently holding a review into claims "senior figures" were aware of a separate allegation of abuse against Pierce in 1993 which was not passed to police until becoming Bishop, Pierce was in ultimate charge of Church safeguarding in his diocese. Ruth, not her real name, told BBC Wales serious allegations she made about a choirmaster were not acted on by says Brecon Cathedral choirmaster David Gedge assaulted her on a choir exchange to Ireland in 2001 when she was 17 years old."He suggested we go for a walk," said Ruth, who was a chorister at the cathedral. "He held my arm and turned me round and kissed me. In that moment I felt just kind of shattered." "He put his hand underneath my top and was touching me. He talked about his wife and as he was talking about this his hands were moving and he put his hands down my trousers and into my pants. "All of this was happening whilst I was really frozen."She said she was scared to report the abuse initially, but eventually did two years later to try and protect other choristers. 'The Church allowed my abuser to have more opportunities' Pierce was Bishop of Swansea and Brecon at the time - and Ruth says he did Church in Wales admitted there was no record of action against Mr Gedge in 2003 and any decisions about the case would have been made by Gedge continued to work with children in the choir for four years before retiring. "Anthony Pierce did not abuse me, but he allowed my abuse to go unaccounted for and for my abuser to have many more opportunities to do the same thing," said Ruth."I don't know how many other people are without justice because Anthony Pierce stopped their case from moving forward - maybe to protect his friends, maybe to take the eyes off him."Ruth said she went to the police in 2012 after the lack of action by the Church. BBC Wales Investigates has seen police documents that say Mr Gedge admitted holding Ruth's hand, taking her for a walk and talking to her about intimate details of his life but he denied assaulting Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland said there appeared to be substance to Ruth's allegations but it was unlikely a prosecution would be Gedge was prevented from holding any role in the Church after 2012. He died in priest Graham Sawyer started working in Pontypool in south Wales in 2003 when he raised concerns about Darren Jenkins, a youth leader and lay reader - someone who can preach and take services. 'I was told I should be very careful about reporting abuse' "I was worried about the inappropriate touching," he said. "It didn't appear sexual, it was hugging."As a former sexual abuse victim himself, Graham tried to raise the alarm."I was told that I should be very careful or I'd end up in court," he said he went to the police after he became concerned at the lack of action by the Church in Wales and left Pontypool for Australia. Jenkins was jailed in 2006 for raping a 16-year-old boy five said cases like Pierce's show "the culture has not changed". "Whenever there's a problem, they will close ranks and ignore. If that doesn't work, they would attack you with great ferocity," he told BBC Wales Church in Wales is a separate body to the Church of England and both have separate safeguarding departments to protect vulnerable people including has written to Welsh politicians urging them to call on the Senedd to hold an independent Church in Wales has been subject to two independent safeguarding reports to date - the Historic Cases Review in 2009 and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA) which started in Welby stepped down as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2024 after a damning report into a prolific child abuser associated with the Church of IICSA panel member has questioned if the Church in Wales has done enough since that report and thought there should be an external review into the Church. "We did make it very clear that there were quite a lot of significant gaps and operational shortcomings," Professor Sir Malcolm Evans told the BBC."But there doesn't seem to have been a broad-ranging discussion as to the future in Wales as there has been in the Church of England. What we now need is that level of discussion, reflection, and action." Church in Wales promise culture review The Church in Wales has apologised and told the BBC that an external safeguarding audit of all cathedrals in Wales would be commissioned as well as a review into its culture. "There is no place in the Church for abuse, misconduct or concealment," a Church in Wales spokesman said."We are determined that the issues identified will be fully addressed and practices improved so that all church members, and the wider society, can have confidence that the church is, as it should be, a safe and supportive environment for all."The Church added its complaints handling process is now more independent, professional and robust and it is committed to continuous information and support about any issues raised in this story contact the BBC Action reporting by Michela Riva
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
North Wales Big Brother star's incredible transformation as he confirms a major career change
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former Big Brother contestant Glyn Wise has revealed a surprising career shift. The Blaenau Ffestiniog native, who appeared on the show in 2006 at the tender age of 18 and finished as the runner-up in the seventh series, has now become a reverend. The ex-reality TV personality announced his new role on social media, where he has often discussed his faith and participated in religious programmes like Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol and Songs of Praise. On Instagram, Glyn declared: "This is Rev Glyn - I'm coming to get you!" He added: "Day 1 as an official Rev! Hard work, praying and studying has paid off - "With God all things are possible" Math 19: 26. Looking forward to follow in the footsteps of the disciples in the book of Acts, spreading the good word across the nations! Diolch yn fawr am yr holl gefnogaeth." He also included a passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians in the New Testament, written in Welsh, at the end of his post. Supporters have been quick to express their congratulations in the comments section. One individual wrote: "Keep spread the love, well done mate." Another chimed in with: "Congratulations father, this is awesome news." Lea Walker, who appeared alongside Glyn on Big Brother, expressed her admiration in the comments section. She said: "Babes you have no idea. Just how proud I am of you. You've worked tirelessly you've worked so hard and I am so unbelievably proud of you," reports Wales Online. "Congratulations congratulations congratulations. I love you with every beat of my heart and I can't wait to see you again next month." In 2015 Glyn was selected by Plaid Cymru to contest the Cardiff Central seat in the 2016 Senedd elections. But he later quit the party after disagreeing with its pro- EU stance. Then in April 2022, he announced he was training to become an ordained minister in the Church in Wales and shared his journey on social media. He shared on social media at the time: "Done it! I'm [sic] been accepted for Ordained Ministry with the Church in Wales. Thank you to everyone at London Church of England for their support and prayers! Looking forward to spread the good word and become Fr Glyn." Despite growing up in a Christian family he said that his time in Asia, particularly South Korea inspired him to pursue his new career. He told BBC Wales: "When I was in Asia, particularly South Korea, I saw that Christianity was growing at a massive scale and whilst I was there I went to church and felt every sermon was basically speaking directly to me. "I wanted to bring the good word back to the UK, well Wales and the Church in Wales, and now I've been fortunate enough to be accepted to go into the ordained ministry - it was a dream come true." Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Find out what's happening near you
