Source: Church of Wales published on this website Wednesday 7 May 2025 by Jill Powell
A statement from the Archbishop of Wales, The Most Reverend Andrew John on the Church of Wales website includes:
“In the autumn of last year, I commissioned two exercises in connection with Bangor Cathedral. The first of these was a visitation and the second a safeguarding audit by the independent organisation thirtyone:eight. I asked that those who conducted these exercises on my behalf undertake a thorough review of the quality of life, faith, discipline, behaviour and culture of the Cathedral.
“Those who undertook these exercises did so on the condition that any sensitive and personal information which might be disclosed by participants (including safeguarding disclosures) would not be released into the public domain. This was to give confidence to anyone who participated. I am upholding their request for confidentiality and therefore releasing today summary reports prepared by the reviewers and their unabridged recommendations.
“It is evident that in recent years great progress has been made at our cathedral. We have seen the fruit of hard work: improved attendance, increased bilingual worship, a raised public profile and an enhanced musical life. These are signs of vitality and growth that we rightly celebrate. But we also know that growth is not just about what is visible—it’s about what is true, just, and safe at the heart of our shared life.
“The reviewers identified some concerns which needed to be addressed. Taken together, the reports described areas where we needed to do better to ensure that the cathedral is truly safe, inclusive, well-governed and thriving.
As reported to the reviewers, these concerns were:
- A safeguarding approach that did not meet the standards expected across the Church in Wales.
- Management practices that lacked transparency and rigour, with some appointments made without proper paperwork, inadequate oversight arrangements and concerns raised about exclusion due to favouritism.
- Weak financial controls, unclear reporting lines, and spending decisions that were insufficiently scrutinised.
- Conduct in some areas—relating to alcohol use and sexual behaviour—that did not reflect the professional standards expected in a Christian church.
- The presence of hurtful gossip, both in person and online, which caused pain and division.
I acknowledge that these findings are hard to hear—but they must be faced if we are to move forward with integrity.
To read the full statement click
The Audit, Safeguarding Review was undertaken by Thirtyone:eight
In the Confidentiality Statement they state:
“This summary report is the property of the Diocese of Bangor and was commissioned by the Archbishop of Wales (also Bishop of Bangor). This agreed Summary report has been prepared for the Archbishop of Wales for the purpose of communicating our findings to those that participated in the Safeguarding Audit undertaken by Thirtyone:eight. Whilst we have taken reasonable measures to maintain confidentiality and to limit access up to this point, we understand the Archbishop of Wales wishes to publish this Summary so that all connected to Saint Deiniol’s Cathedral have access to the key findings of this Review and the full recommendations.”
And the Referral Summary & Context states
“In response to safeguarding concerns being raised in relation to Saint Deiniol’s Cathedral, the Archbishop of Wales invited Thirtyone:eight to offer its safeguarding expertise in relation to this situation. In the context of these safeguarding concerns, a decision was made that an independent safeguarding audit should take place. The aim of this audit was to review the safeguarding procedures in the Cathedral. It was decided this would run alongside an Episcopal (i.e. Bishop’s) visitation to understand the spiritual culture and life of those connected to the Cathedral."
