The Archbishop of Wales has issued an unreserved apology following governance failings at Bangor Cathedral.
In a statement published on the Church in Wales’ website, Most Rev Andrew John said he had made “errors of judgement” that have “caused anxiety and hurt.”
Six serious incidents relating to St Deiniol’s Cathedral have been reported to the Charity Commission since 2024.
Archbishop John commissioned two reports into concerns – the Bangor Cathedral Visitation and an audit by the independent safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight. They revealed concerns relating to safeguarding, unclear reporting lines and spending decisions that were insufficiently scrutinised. They highlighted complaints about a "culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred", along with inappropriate language being used and alcohol consumed excessively.
In February, the Church in Wales launched an investigation into a "very serious and urgent" safeguarding issue at the cathedral although details were not revealed.
In May, all new spending by the cathedral was suspended after hundreds of thousands of pounds in debts were discovered.
Archbishop John said he “deeply regrets” that the failings happened under his leadership and recognises that he “ought to have done more to ensure such failings did not occur. I also take full responsibility that I did not address these matters quickly enough.”
Two groups were commissioned in response to the findings. The implementation group, chaired by Archdeacon David Parry is said to be making good progress in engaging with the recommendations contained in the reports. The Oversight Board is setting out a plan of work which will include deep dive exercises into aspects of the cathedral’s activity and holding the implementation group to account.
The chair of the Oversight Board, Professor Medwin Hughes said: “There is much to do to ensure that lasting changes are made and thoroughly embedded into the life and culture of Bangor Cathedral…
“This has been a particularly testing time for all those who have been involved in the cathedral and the diocese, and for all of those who care for the life of the Church in Wales. I am confident that, with the procedures now underway, and with the support and hard work of all those who have committed to this process, we will be able to ensure that the life of the cathedral will once more become all that it should be.”
Archbishop John said: “I recognize our witness to Jesus Christ and our mission to Wales has been damaged and I repent and offer no excuses nor justifications. I am committed to an ongoing process of reflection to ensure these unacceptable events do not happen again.”
The Cathedral Church of St Deiniol is recognized as the oldest cathedral foundation in Britain, with its roots tracing back to the 6th century.