Two priests from Bangor Cathedral in north Wales are calling for an independent inquiry after two reports raised safeguarding concerns and highlighted allegations of misconduct at St Deiniol’s Cathedral.

The Revd Dr John Prysor-Jones and the Very Revd Professor Gordon McPhate, both serving at Bangor Cathedral, described two recent reports into misconduct as “unsatisfactory” and argued that their conclusions were “based on impressions” rather than facts.

Both have served in a preaching capacity, and have been calling for a report into the Cathedral since 2011, saying any inquiry should be "assisted by advisers in organisational management, canon law, civil law, and criminal law".

The first report, commissioned by the Bishop of Bangor and Archbishop of Wales Rt Revd Andrew John, described “a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred”, as well as instances of inappropriate language and excessive alcohol consumption. A second report considered allegations of financial misconduct under the cathedral’s former Sub-Dean, who was placed on leave in March 2024.

The two reports were completed by the end of 2024, but nothing from either was published until May 2025, when a redacted summary of each was made public. The summaries centred mostly around the recommendations, rather than details of what was found out. 

A spokesperson for the Church in Wales said: “The matters raised in this correspondence will be carefully considered.”

One congregation member has called for Rt Revd Andrew John's resignation as lead bishop for safeguarding due to the concerns, as reported by Newyddion S4C.

The calls come as the Church continues broader discussions about safeguarding standards and accountability.

When the initial report was released, the Cathedral told Premier that it wished to allow time for reflection on its findings before issuing further comment.