The Church in Wales has decided to appoint a temporary bishop to the Diocese of Bangor, which has been without a leader for some time and is facing significant controversy.
Following the retirement of Bishop Andrew John in August, the Church in Wales’ Electoral College has met twice to attempt to shortlist candidates to fill the role but has now decided to go for an interim approach instead.
The Church in Wales said in a statement on Monday: “It is proposed that an experienced bishop should be invited to Bangor on an interim basis, for a period of one to two years, to provide leadership and stability and to work with the diocese to strengthen leadership, finance, governance and management in advance of the election of a new diocesan bishop.”
Earlier this year, two Charity Commission reports highlighted safeguarding concerns and misconduct at Bangor Cathedral, including a “culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred.” There were also allegations of inappropriate language being used and excessive alcohol consumption.
Meanwhile, in May it was revealed that six serious incidents had been reported to the Charity Commission since 2024. Four related to cultural issues, and two involved financial mismanagement.
At the Bangor Diocesan Conference last month, the Most Rev Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, spoke of a “faithful, hopeful and fruitful future” for the Diocese of Bangor despite its “complex, deep-seated and long-standing” challenges.
The Church’s governing body will meet on 25th November to discuss the interim appointment.