Report details allegations of improper conduct within the church organization
Fresh Take:
It's no secret that Bangor Cathedral's been stirring up controversy. A blazing safeguarding review, conducted by an independent party, exposed a slew of issues plaguing the Catholic establishment in Wales.
In the dim winter of 2025, the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, shook things up by launching an investigation into the cathedral's supposed "very serious and urgent" safeguarding concerns. The specifics remained under wraps until recently.
The report, released over the weekend, points fingers at a murky culture characterized by excessive alcohol consumption, inappropriate sexual behavior, and a chilling lack of boundaries. Even the choir members weren't spared—some reported hearing inappropriate language from the adults in charge.
On top of the behavioral mess, the cathedral's financial controls looked shaky, and their approach to safeguarding paled in comparison to the rest of the Church in Wales. To make matters worse, the report revealed a lack of codes of conduct and poorlydefined roles, all adding fuel to the chaos.
Not one to mince words, Archbishop John acknowledged the concerns highlighted in the review and promised to address them.
It's no walk in the park over at the cathedral these days. The exit of the Sub Dean, Sion Rhys Evans, was marred by allegations of financial improprieties and safeguarding issues. And the report's recommendations for interim senior clergy leadership to stabilize the cathedral till a new permanent successor is found have also sparked discontent among the congregation.
All signs point to a cathedral in need of a drastic culture cleanup, focusing on safety, inclusivity, governance, and fostering a healthier environment. This whirlwind of events serves as a grim reminder that even hallowed institutions aren't immune to the human frailty and misconduct that plague us all.
In light of the shocking revelations in the safeguarding review, the Archbishop of Wales might consider implementing workplace-wellness programs focusing on health-and-wellness, including education about responsible alcohol consumption and fostering a respectful and inclusive environment, within the cathedral as a step towards addressing the issues. Additionally, the cathedral's science outreach programs could benefit from incorporating discussions on ethics and appropriate conduct, emphasizing the importance of these values across various sectors, including faith-based organizations.
