It's also suggested its efforts to find temporary stand-ins to ensure the bells ring out over Christmas have been thwarted by "intimidation".
The Minster's governing body, the Chapter, has issued a detailed statement which explains how it disbanded the team after the ringers refused to accept its decision not to reinstate one of its members, who had been suspended following a police investigation into allegations of sex offending against children which did not lead to a prosecution.
This member has not been named by the Chapter but it's understood to be David Potter, who was given an MBE for his services to bell-ringing and has never been charged with any offences.
David Potter was the subject of a police investigation in 1999 which was reviewed again in 2014.
North Yorkshire Police applied for a sexual risk order in relation to Mr Potter in 2015 but this was not granted by a judge.
Following this application, the Chapter of York Minster ordered a detailed risk assessment of Mr Potter's activities.
In Friday's statement it said: "Following a detailed review of the matter and with guidance from national agencies, Chapter felt that the person presented an ongoing risk and that the potential severity of the risk meant they could not be reinstated.
"This decision was not accepted by the bell-ringing team. There was a reluctance to recognise the Minster's concerns despite briefings with staff including our safeguarding officer. This culminated in Chapter's decision to disband the team in October."
"Chapter's strong preference had been to remain silent on these matters to protect the privacy of those affected. Given the ongoing interest, however, Chapter has felt it necessary to make this statement."
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu (below), has always supported the Chapter in its decision to sack the bell-ringing team.
In October Mr Potter's solicitor, Colin Byrne, said: "Mr Potter has no cautions or convictions or any civil findings ever made against him.
"Issues surrounding the bell-ringers and the Minster is a private and confidential matter between those two parties but the process that he has been subject to has shown a disregard for due process and equally the treatment of his fellow bell-ringers."
Earlier this year a petition calling for the reinstatement of the York Minister bell-ringers reached more than 11,000 signatures.
And earlier this week bell-ringers at Leeds Minster turned down the opportunity to take part in York Minster's Christmas service in what they described as an "act of solidarity" with the dismissed York bell-ringers.
It means it's still possible York Minster's bells may be silent over Christmas, although York Minster Society of Change Ringers (below, in action) said on Friday said on their website they would "willingly ring the Minster bells for all Christmas services if asked to do so by the Dean and Chapter".
York Chapter's statement continued: "We have also been approached by individuals keen to help and who are supportive of the action Chapter has taken.
"However we have learned that many of these kind people have been subjected to intimidation on social media and in the local press. At least one member of the clergy who has offered to help has been threatened with legal action.
"We hope that people will be able to approach us impartially and without fear of intimidation."
