Bangor Cathedral has suspended all choir activity for one month after a staged walk-out in which members sang the protest piece “Canticle of Indignation” during Holy Communion.

The move comes as the cathedral confirmed a consultation on redundancies, with five of eight non-clergy posts at risk.

In a statement, the Chapter, which is the cathedral's governing body, said the incident “included the choir singing a specially composed and entirely inappropriate piece… whilst members of the congregation were receiving Holy Communion, and the walking out of the choir immediately afterwards.”

According to Anglican teaching, Holy Communion is the most sacred part of worship, intended for reverence and prayer.

The Chapter added that the imposed break for the choir would allow time to “review what happened and consider appropriate next steps", as well as open dialogue with choir members.

The Chapter also acknowledged the cathedral’s financial struggles, warning of a significant shortfall between income and expenditure.

“Whilst the financial situation is very challenging, it is also redeemable. But only with urgent action,” the statement read.