Skip to content

Multiple serious referrals made about cathedral

Gwyn Loader
Chief correspondent, Newyddion S4C
BBC An exterior view of Bangor Cathedral, it is a clear day and there are two people in the foreground of the picture, one walking towards the front door of the cathedral BBC
Serious incident referrals connected to Bangor Cathedral were made to the Charity Commission

Six serious incident referrals relating to a cathedral that was criticised in a safeguarding review were made to the Charity Commission in just over a year.

Four related to safeguarding at Bangor Cathedral in Gwynedd while two concerned financial matters.

This included allegations over large amounts of diocesan funds being spent on cathedral matters, which a whistleblower said should be deemed inappropriate as they are classified as two separate charities.

The Charity Commission said it would make recommendations for improvements to the charities concerned, while the Chapter of Bangor Cathedral said it took its "responsibilities for good governance very seriously".

A serious incident referral is a report to the Charity Commission detailing an event that resulted in or risks significant harm, loss, or damage to a charity and is a legal requirement for all registered charities.

BBC-produced Newyddion S4C was told members of the cathedral community made a whistleblowing complaint to the commission listing dozens of perceived failings at the cathedral and diocese in October.

These included the ordination of a priest allegedly against the recommendation of the discernment panel, who later became a cathedral official before serving the usual period of curacy.

Bangor Cathedral insiders believe the Bishop of Bangor and Archbishop of Wales Andrew John approved the ordination and subsequent promotion of the official involved.

There were concerns as this went against the wishes of the discernment panel and the individual in question rose unusually quickly through the church ranks.

Bangor Cathedral said the individual served their curacy period and the discernment panel made recommendations, with bishops having the discretion to make an alternative decision, such as in this case.

The former official, who has left the cathedral and the priesthood, did not want to talk on the record when asked.

Separately to the serious incident referrals, whistleblowers contacted the Charity Commission late last year with complaints about mismanagement and financial irregularities within the diocese and cathedral.

It was alleged £418,000 had been spent on new furniture for the cathedral, part-funded by the diocese, with about £20,000 being spent on three trips abroad - two to Rome and one to Dublin.

It is alleged the trips were paid for by the diocese, despite mainly involving cathedral staff, with the second Rome visit characterised by its extravagance.

It is said to have involved "an overnight stay in the Radisson at Manchester Airport before an early flight, followed by accommodation in four-star hotels in Rome, plus dinner and taxis throughout".

It was also alleged that "most of the participants on the second and third trips did not contribute towards the cost".

Archbishop of Wales Andrew John. He is wearing a black jacket over a purple shirt with his dogs collar. He has short grey hair and is stood to the left of the image. He is stood in a church building.
Archbishop of Wales Andrew John said while this had been "a sobering time, it also offers us opportunity for change"

Earlier this month, report summaries published on the Church in Wales website outlined complaints about a "culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred".

The Church in Wales has formed an implementation group to carry out both reports' recommendations and an oversight board to scrutinise their work.

On Tuesday, a statement from the Most Reverend Andrew John said he was committed to the work of "repair, of rebuilding trust and of creating a healthier culture - together".

Bangor Cathedral acknowledged there had been inadequate consultation and information regarding the expenditure on cathedral furniture, but said money for the trips abroad came from diocesan funds rather than from the cathedral's.

It added that the dean and chapter had agreed to pay back funds spent by the diocese that should have been paid by them.

It also said the cathedral chapter had sought help from national Church in Wales staff to help correct some financial record-keeping problems.

The Chapter of Bangor Cathedral said during its meeting on Monday that it discussed financial record-keeping and procedures and, as a result, decided a serious incident report should be sent to the Charity Commission.

It added that it would work with the commission "to ensure that the issue is resolved as quickly as possible and that any improvements which need to be made in our procedures are put into place without delay".