A new dean has been appointed at Bangor Cathedral. Rev Nia Catrin Williams who has served as an Armed Forces chaplain, is currently ministry area leader in the diocese and she'll take up her new role in January. She succeeds Rt Rev Manon Ceridwen James, who is now the Bishop of Bangor.
Rev Williams, who is a first-language Welsh speaker with more than 25 years of ordained ministry experience, served as Canon Missioner at Bangor Cathedral from 2012 to 2015.
Her appointment comes as the Cathedral continues to address concerns raised in two safeguarding reviews conducted in 2024. The reviews, which were published last year revealed a culture in which “sexual boundaries had become blurred", inappropriate language had been used and alcohol consumed excessively at the cathedral. A series of serious incident referrals were also made to the Charity Commission in relation to the Bangor Cathedral and diocese.
In a statement announcing the appointment of a new Dean the Church in Wales said that over the past year, Bishop Manon and the Cathedral team have worked “to address the concerns and bring stability to Cathedral life. Nia will continue that work, supporting staff and congregations, rebuilding trust and confidence, and developing the Cathedral’s ministry in the city and wider diocese”.
She added: “Nia's ministerial gifts and leadership experience mean that she is exceptionally well placed to lead the Cathedral and Bro Deiniol into the next chapter of its life. In addition to her experience as a parish priest, her service as an Army Chaplain has equipped her with considerable expertise in pastoral care, team building, and mediation, as well as the ability to lead with empathy and resilience through periods of challenge and change.
“Her creativity, energy, and extensive experience in ministry with children and young people will further strengthen an area central to the Cathedral's mission and ministry.”
Describing her appointment as an “enormous privilege” Rev Nia said she would build on “the reform and renewal already undertaken”.
As an army chaplain, Rev Williams completed postings in the UK and Belgium as well as operations with the UN and NATO. Before returning to the diocese in 2025, she served in Cyprus as a Reservist Chaplain with the Royal Air Force. She continues to support RAF Valley when needed.
Her wider work across the Church in Wales has included children’s and youth ministry, safeguarding, vocations and the Provincial Welsh Language Committee.
Away from ministry, Rev Williams enjoys travelling, tinkering with classic cars, DIY and supporting the Welsh national football team. She is married to Nigel and they have two grown-up daughters and a granddaughter.