Latest news with #ChurchinWales
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Bangor Cathedral has spending suspended over debts
A cathedral can no longer spend money after hundreds of thousands of pounds in debts were Cathedral in Gwynedd has had its spending suspended after furniture worth £418,000 was part-funded by the diocese and about £20,000 was spent on three trips abroad - two to Rome and one to Dublin - sources close to the cathedral told BBC-produced Newyddion comes after the publication of two critical report summaries earlier this month which outlined concerns relating to safeguarding, behaviour and financial management at the church. A cathedral spokesperson said it had agreed to repay the cost of the trips and an "independent review" last year found no financial inconsistencies. The debts are to the Bangor Diocese, which is a separate charity. The trips were allegedly 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".The cathedral acknowledged there was inadequate consultation and information regarding the expenditure on furniture and that the Dean and Chapter of Bangor Cathedral had agreed to repay the costs of the trips also said the Church in Wales centrally was helping rectify issues with financial record-keeping and the debt would be repaid by next year. The cathedral said, while spending was suspended, it was continuing with the process of appointing a new dean.
Powys County Times
5 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Hard work recognised as Powys school earns glowing report
Montgomery Church in Wales School is celebrating a glowing report. The Powys school had its Section 50 inspection by the Church in Wales before Easter. The report comments on strengths such as the school's welcoming, caring and inclusive Christian learning environment; the passionate Christian vision of the headteacher, which is very well supported by staff and governors; exceptional pastoral care and support shown to all pupils; and strong intergenerational links with the church and local community. Inspector Neil Roberts, talked about all sorts of exciting opportunities the children had been able to take part in, including joint lessons with children in Kunágota, singing in the Plygain service at St Nicholas', Dydd Gwener Gwych activities, Open The Book stories, and taking on leadership and committee roles. Headteacher Sarah Brian said, 'The report captures our school ethos really well
Rhyl Journal
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
St Asaph Cathedral choir to perform in Helsinki Cathedral
Nearly 30 young choristers will travel to Finland for the concert tour and cultural exchange. The trip, scheduled for later this month, celebrates the link between the Diocese of St Asaph and Helsinki. The choir, composed of young people from across North East Wales, will also participate in a workshop with Finnish youngsters, perform in local churches, and visit various sites of interest in Helsinki, including the city's zoo. The trip has been made possible thanks to more than £20,000 in local sponsorship, which has helped make the trip more affordable for the young singers. St Asaph Cathedral's Director of Music, Paul Booth, expressed his gratitude, stating: "For many of these children, this will be their first time travelling abroad, offering them the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, share their musical talents on an international stage, and forge lifelong memories. "Our choir is composed of 27 talented young singers, some of whom come from areas of deprivation where financial constraints make it difficult to afford such a trip. "I'm very grateful to everyone, including many local businesses, who have made donations to ensure our talented youngsters have this invaluable experience, enhancing their musical education and cultural understanding." The choir will be accompanied on their trip by the Archdeacon of Wrexham, the St Asaph Diocesan Children and Youth Officer, and the Diocesan Secretary. The two churches are connected through the Porvoo Common Statement, which establishes full communion between the British Anglican churches and the Evangelical Lutheran churches of Northern Europe. Last year, more than 20 representatives from the Diocese of Helsinki visited St Asaph Cathedral and churches in Wrexham, as part of the ongoing link between the Church in Wales and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. St Asaph Cathedral has had a choir for almost 800 years and recruits young people from schools across North East Wales.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Calls for Archbishop to resign over safeguarding reports
There are calls for the Archbishop of Wales to resign after two critical reports highlighted safeguarding concerns and misbehaviour at a north Wales cathedral. The report included complaints about a "culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred", inappropriate language being used and alcohol consumed excessively. The Church in Wales acknowledged safeguarding weaknesses, management practices lacking in rigour and transparency, and misconduct relating to alcohol use and sexual behaviour at Bangor Cathedral. The Most Reverend Andrew John offered his "most heartfelt apology to any members of the cathedral community who have been hurt or who feel I have let them down". The Church in Wales said it had created an implementation group to ensure the issues are addressed. The full reports have not been published, but summaries were posted on the Church of Wales' website. Since the publication of the summaries, there is dismay in some quarters about a perceived lack of detail and candour into the church's response. Church report into inappropriate behaviour claims Safeguarding investigation launched at cathedral Bishop Andy John elected Archbishop of Wales Despite repeated requests for an interview with Rev Andrew John, who is both Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor, BBC-produced Newyddion S4C were told the church believe the cathedral's community should be allowed to "reflect on the reports and statement without additional commentary". John Pockett, a member of the Church in Wales for almost 70 years and previously Cathedral Steward and Intercessions leader at Llandaff Cathedral, called for the Archbishop of Wales to consider his position as head of the Church in Wales. "The leader of the Church in Wales is at the centre of all this. He is the Archbishop, he is the leader and it has happened at his Cathedral. "It sullies the name of the Church in Wales across the country. [Archbishop of Wales] Andy John needs to come out and state plainly what has happened." He added there was "great concern about the future of the church across the country" and "about the lack of honesty, openness and transparency". "We have a right to know what went on and we have a right to expect better," he said. The Church in Wales also said an oversight board had been appointed, to scrutinise the work of the implementation group and support a new dean, who has yet to be appointed. Ruth Jones, Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, who chairs a Westminster parliamentary group on safeguarding in faith communities, has called on the church to offer a full explanation to members and the public. "I am concerned - it's more what the reports don't say because they are quite short," she said. "They indicate there have been issues, but we don't know what the issues are so what are the solutions? "I would urge [the Archbishop] to come forward and speak out about what the issues have been and how they're putting them right so everybody visiting Bangor Cathedral, whether they're visiting for the day or have been there 50 years, can feel safe in that environment." Professor Sir Malcolm Evans was a member of the Statutory Panel of the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales (IICSA inquiry) which investigated child sexual abuse in churches, schools, custodial institutions, political parties, religious groups, and children's homes, and made a series of recommendations. Whilst child abuse is not mentioned at Bangor Cathedral, Sir Malcolm said he was concerned. He said it was "in everyone's interest to have maximum transparency" and that it was "disappointing" they had published summaries rather than the full reports. "One of [IICSA's] key recommendations was that audits should take place and that they should be public." He said IICSA had praised several aspects of the Church in Wales's work at a national level, but said it was "distressing" these practices and policies at a national level do not seem to have been implemented at Bangor Cathedral. "These are the things that genuinely and really keep people safe over time. "It seems on the face of it that something seriously has gone wrong in translating what the policies of the Church in Wales actually are into the practice on the ground." The Church in Wales accepted the IICSA report recommendations at the time stating it had a national online safeguarding case management and record keeping system and that relevant staff would be trained in accordance with their procedural guidance. In relation to Bangor Cathedral, it said that the formation of an implementation group and oversight board demonstrated the church's determination to follow the IICSA report's guidance and upholding the highest standards in relation to safeguarding, governance and behaviour. The chair of the Chapter of Bangor Cathedral, the Ven David Parry, said it was committed to taking the recommendations forward as matters of urgency, adding: "Significant changes are already under way. "We recognise that it will take time to heal some relationships and build trust." In a statement, the Rev Andrew John said the failings can only cause the "deepest sorrow" to all who take part in, and who care about, the church. He said: "It is because of my concern about the issues which had been reported to me that I requested the visitation report and the safeguarding review. "Those reports contain much that gives us cause for concern, they also, through the recommendations, identify a way forward by which those matters can be resolved." Abuse reported to church 17 years before police told Church at precarious moment after Welby resignation Welby formally relinquishes Archbishop role
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Yahoo
Church report into inappropriate behaviour claims
Complaints about a "culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred", inappropriate language and excessive consumption of alcohol have been highlighted in a cathedral safeguarding review. In February, the Church in Wales launched an investigation into a "very serious and urgent" safeguarding issue at Bangor Cathedral in Gwynedd, although details were not revealed. The independent report, published on Saturday evening, also found a "lack of contracts for" paid roles or tenancy agreements and an absence of codes of conduct. The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, who is also Bishop of Bangor, said the findings of the independent review had "identified some concerns which needed to be addressed". A number of people "linked to the life of the cathedral" were invited to take part in the review by Thirtyone:eight, a group specialising in providing safeguarding advice in church settings. But the report's authors have said the "audit did not include a fact-finding exercise where the strength of evidence was tested in relation to complaints made against specific individuals". "Although generally people conducted themselves well, the reviewers were also informed of inappropriate behaviours such as inappropriate language, lack of boundaries around communication (outside of work hours and away from office premises), excessive consumption of alcohol etc," said the summary report. Abuse reported to church 17 years before police told Welsh tourists' 'unique' trips after Pope's death Grieving families to ring bells for children "Complaints were also made of others in the cathedral that were actively involved in inappropriate language being used in front of younger members of the choir and that this was more than 'banter', and at times was reported to cause potentially humiliation to some. "Accounts indicate a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred, and to some in their view promiscuity was acceptable." It went on to say "there didn't to some appear to be any safeguards put in place when some individuals' behaviours reportedly became unacceptable, and this started to affect others". The report said reviewers were made aware of WhatsApp groups which individuals used to express their thoughts and frustrations. "These reported negative comments appear wholly inappropriate and if, this is the case, then guidance should be provided to explore safe and appropriate use of social media." The review said "staff were not aware of behaviour guidelines" which could leave children, vulnerable adults, cathedral staff, and the church's reputation "potentially more vulnerable to allegations and abuse". It said while the consumption of alcohol was a "factor within this environment, therefore it's recommended that a clear policy is adopted to ensure that when served after services in the cathedral, people are aware of the need to limit the access to some individuals and avoid any pressure to conform to drinking unwanted alcohol". It also said the cathedral was an "open environment to members of the public entering during service times but even during times where access is restricted there are so many keyholders that people can walk into children's group without any knowledge that they are there". It also called for appropriate security checks - Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) - are made when recruiting staff for some roles. The review did highlight "key strengths", including a "basic awareness" of safeguarding, with all clergy and a number of lay members having attended safeguarding training. And it also mentioned it was "reported that over the last couple of years there had been significant positive changes within the cathedral, including embedding the Welsh language into the services". While publishing the review, the Most Reverend Andrew John said in a statement, the "these findings are hard to hear but they must be faced if we are to move forward with integrity". He also published the findings of a separate Visitation - the church term for an inquiry conducted by senior figures from the Church in Wales, which issued a number of recommendations, including appointing strong leadership and creating a culture of respectful communications. The Archbishop said: "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. "As Christians, we know that we are people who need repentance and hope." Safeguarding investigation launched at cathedral
