
Archbishop of Wales retires after critical reports on cathedral behaviour
He will also retire as Bishop of Bangor on August 31.
The move follows a safeguarding review at Bangor Cathedral, which identified 'a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred' and 'promiscuity was acceptable'.
There is no suggestion the archbishop behaved inappropriately.
Mr John commissioned two reports into the North Wales cathedral in October last year.
A summary of a report shared on the Church in Wales' website said there were also reports of 'inappropriate language, rude jokes and innuendoes in the choir that left some feeling unsafe and marginalised'.
Inappropriate language was also used in front of younger members of the choir and at times caused 'humiliation to some', the report's compilers were told.
Other issues raised included the presence of hurtful gossip, a poor safeguarding approach and weak financial controls.
Announcing his retirement, Mr John said: 'It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years.
'I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire.'
After the publication of a summary into the reports earlier this year, the archbishop said: 'I acknowledge that these findings are hard to hear – but they must be faced if we are to move forward with integrity.'
'I have begun reflecting on what I must learn from this process – not only as a leader, but as a fellow pilgrim,' he added.
'While this has been a sobering time, it also offers us opportunity for change. It will mean hard work, but it can also bring healing, and we do not do this alone.'
Mr John became Bishop of Bangor in 2008 and was elected Archbishop of Wales in December 2021.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Man is charged with murder after pregnant woman, 27, found dead at home
A man has been charged with the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down. Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found found dead in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, yesterday afternoon. The 28-year-old man has been charged with her murder and child destruction, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed today. He is due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday July 2. Officers were called to the home at 2.15pm after receiving reports of an unconscious female with a serious injury. Paradmedics were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Last week, Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said: 'Police received a report at approximately 2.15pm on Saturday afternoon, 28th June of an unconscious woman with a serious injury inside a house in the Elmfield Walk area of the town. 'Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who provided medical treatment at the scene. 'Sadly the woman, who has been named as 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery, a mother-of-two, and confirmed to have been pregnant at the time of her death, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 'A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries. 'Enquiries are at an early stage into this deeply tragic case. Our thoughts are also with Sarah's family during this incredibly difficult time – as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened. Sarah's family are being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation continues.' North Area Chief Inspector Yvonne McManus said local people will see an increased police presence due to the shocking incident. She said: 'We understand this news will cause shock and concern within the community. Local people will see our officers in and around the area – with cordons still in place today. 'Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help. 'We recognise the profound impact that violence against women and girls has on individuals, families and wider society. North Down MP Alex Easton commented: 'I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of a woman in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee. 'My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. 'I understand that the PSNI is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, and I would encourage the public to allow them the space and time to carry out their enquiries. 'Donaghadee is a close-knit and caring community, and I know local people will be shocked and saddened by this news. I would urge anyone with information that may assist the police investigation to come forward. 'I will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities and offer any support I can.' Councillor James Cochrane urged the public to allow police to continue with their enquiries into the incident. He said: 'I would like just to say that my thoughts are with the family upon hearing this shocking news', according to the Sunday World. 'I would urge the public, if they have information, to contact police, and to allow the PSNI to carry out their investigations.' DUP alderman, Mark Brooks branded the death 'absolutely shocking' to hear. 'My thoughts are with the family at this time. It is absolutely shocking news to hear,' said the alderman.


JAMnews
12 minutes ago
- JAMnews
UK condemns crackdown on dissent in Georgia, warns authorities of consequences
The UK Foreign Ministry protested Georgian Dream The UK Foreign Office summoned Georgia's chargé d'affaires in London, Giorgi Saganelidze, to protest the Georgian government's 'increasingly harmful trajectory', 'crackdown on civil society, independent media and critical voice,' as well as 'false claims and public attacks' against international partners, including the UK. According to the UK Foreign Office, a senior official whose identity was not disclosed expressed the UK's 'strong opposition to Georgia's increasingly harmful course' during the meeting. With no ambassador currently appointed, Saganelidze is serving as Georgia's acting head of mission in the UK. The UK representative also stated that: 'The imprisonment of prominent opposition leaders is the latest attempt by the Georgian government to crack down on freedoms and stifle dissent. The detention of election rivals is incompatible with any remaining Euro-Atlantic aspirations held by Georgian Dream as well as their own constitutional commitments. The UK Government will not hesitate to consider further action should Georgia not return to respecting and upholding democracy, freedoms, and human rights.' Background On June 27, the UK government issued a statement addressed to Georgian businesses, warning that anyone helping Russia circumvent sanctions would themselves become subject to sanctions. The statement said Russia uses methods such as rerouting shipments, falsifying final destinations, and operating professional tax evasion networks. Earlier, the British Embassy in Georgia reported that after the ruling Georgian Dream party passed a law restricting NGOs' access to foreign grants, the UK canceled planned grant programs aimed at supporting transparency and competitiveness in Georgia's upcoming municipal elections. The United Kingdom has already imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Georgian officials, two of whom – former Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri and former Prosecutor General Giorgi Gabitashvili – resigned shortly afterward. The sanctions list also includes several judges, the head of the Special Investigation Service, and others. News in Georgia


JAMnews
12 minutes ago
- JAMnews
IPI urges the EU to protect journalists in Georgia
IPI urges the EU to protect journalists in Georgia The International Press Institute (IPI) issued a statement on the growing pressure the Georgian government is placing on the media, urging the international community to take immediate and effective action against the ruling party, Georgian Dream. The statement highlights the worsening health of detained journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and notes that the Georgian Dream government has adopted new legislative amendments concerning defamation and bans on media filming inside and outside courtrooms. According to IPI, these amendments pose a threat to the foundations of independent journalism in Georgia, as independent media have extensively covered trials of individuals arrested for their political views. IPI's statement Each day, Georgia moves closer to becoming a fully consolidated authoritarian regime, as the ruling Georgian Dream party intensifies its efforts to erode democracy and silence independent voices. The adoption of repressive, undemocratic and illiberal legislation, along with widespread political persecution, is unfolding at an unprecedented scale in Georgia-an EU candidate country once widely considered as a beacon of democracy in the South Caucasus. These amendments erode fundamental legal protections for journalism by eliminating source confidentiality, fostering self-censorship, and obstructing investigative reporting. These combined changes threaten the very foundations of independent journalism in Georgia. Mzia Amaglobeli's health has further deteriorated in prison. Medical examinations revealed a sharp decline: vision in her right eye had dropped from 30% to 10%, while her left eye retained only about 4% vision. An outspoken regime critic, Amaglobeli faces charges of assaulting a police officer – carrying up to seven years in prison – following an altercation with Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze. Amaglobeli's arrest is widely viewed as retaliation for her journalistic work. Media workers have been beaten, harassed, detained, jailed, smeared, fined and still continued their work. Amid explicit hostility and a climate of fear, independent journalism is increasingly unlikely to survive in Georgia. The erosion of civil liberties at an extraordinary pace in Georgia also poses a serious threat to democracy in the region, where far-right and populism are on the rise and illiberal and authoritarian regimes are increasingly gaining ground. We renew our call on the European Union and its member states to step up pressure on Georgia and stem the rapid descent into authoritarianism. The effective pressure must be applied to not only the Georgian Dream officials but every decision maker as well as judges, responsible for this crackdown on media, capture of the public broadcaster and ongoing impunity for crimes against journalists. We also renew our call on the GD party to repeal repressive laws, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and recent amendments to the Law on Broadcasting and the Law on Grants. We further urge the Georgian Dream-led parliament to withdraw the recently adopted amendments to the Law on Freedom of Expression, as well as the amendments restricting media coverage of court proceedings. We reiterate our call for the release of unjustly jailed veteran Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who has become a symbol of the resilience of Georgian media.' The law on the registration of foreign agents, an exact copy of the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), was passed by the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament on April 1, 2025, and came into force on May 31. Authorities claim its purpose is to limit foreign interference in the country's affairs and in the work of state institutions. The law introduces a broad definition of 'foreign agent,' applying to any legal or natural person receiving funds from abroad and engaging in civic, political, or informational activities. Such individuals or organizations are required to register; failure to comply is punishable by fines and imprisonment of up to five years. Independent legal experts confirm that while the text closely mirrors the U.S. FARA, its purpose has been entirely altered. In the United States, FARA is deliberately not applied to NGOs, media, or organizations serving the public interest. In addition, in April 2025, Georgia's parliament passed a law banning the issuance or receipt of foreign grants without official approval from the Georgian government. News in Georgia