The Church in Wales is advertising for a new Bishop of Bangor following the retirement of Archbishop Andrew John amid a safeguarding crisis at the cathedral.

Most Rev Andrew John stepped down in August 2025 after an independent review found "a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred" and "promiscuity was acceptable" at Bangor Cathedral. The report also cited inappropriate language, rude jokes in the choir, and weak financial controls.

The diocese has said it is seeking a bishop who can "rebuild trust and relationships" and act as "a healer and pastor, with discernment and integrity".

A "mood board" published by the Church in Wales describes the ideal candidate as "a shepherd, pastor, with a geniune deep faith-loving people" who can offer "strategic thinking" while remaining sensitive to those affected by recent events.

Applicants are advised that the diocese has faced "considerable media attention and general external scrutiny" but is "recovering well".

Archbishop Andrew, who has served as Bishop of Bangor since 2008 and became Archbishop of Wales in 2021, acknowledged the findings were "hard to hear" but said they "must be faced if we are to move forward with integrity". There is no suggestion that he personally behaved inappropriately.

The Diocese of Bangor covers north-west Wales, including Gwynedd and Anglesey. Its mother church, St Deiniol's Cathedral, celebrated its 1,500th anniversary last year.