Archbishop of Wales announces retirement after damning reports
The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev Andrew John, has announced his retirement 'with immediate effect', after calls were made for his resignation over reports on the culture within the cathedral in his diocese.
The sudden departure of John, 61, marks the second time in six months that a British Anglican leader has had to step down, after the resignation of the Right Rev Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury in January. The Church in Wales is the Church of England's sister church.
There are no suggestions that John, who is also Bishop of Bangor, behaved inappropriately himself, however reports published last month laid bare 'a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred' at Bangor Cathedral as well as other failings.
These included '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'; and 'weak financial controls, unclear reporting lines, and spending decisions that were insufficiently scrutinised'.
The reports were only published in summary form, prompting criticism from Ruth Jones, the Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, who said of John last month: 'I would like him to come forward and explain what has happened and how he is going to put it right.'
Ruth Jones
ROGER HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Earlier this week, John, who became Archbishop of Wales in 2021, issued a statement which read: 'I wish to apologise for errors of judgment I have made that have caused anxiety and hurt. My apology to you all is heartfelt, unreserved and unequivocal.'
John, who has also served as Bishop of Bangor since 2008, said that the reports on Bangor Cathedral revealed 'shortcomings and poor organisational practice which should not have occurred', and added: 'I deeply regret that they happened under my episcopate and I recognise I ought to have done more to ensure such failings did not occur.'
Days later, on Friday night, John issued an additional statement which began: 'I am writing to you to announce my immediate retirement today as Archbishop of Wales. I also intend to retire as Bishop of Bangor on August 31.'
He made no further mention of the scandal at Bangor Cathedral, and nor did the Bench of Bishops of the Church of Wales, who paid tribute to John by saying: 'We offer most sincere thanks, and our commitment to hold him and his family in prayer at this time and in the days ahead.'
John's departure leaves both the Church in Wales and the Church of England in search of a new primate at the same time.
• Welby says damning report that led to his downfall was flawed
The BBC reported that six serious incident reports had been filed to Charity Commission related to charities linked to the Bangor diocese.
Medwin Hughes, chairman of the Body of Representatives for the church, said he wanted to 'place on record my sincere gratitude for all he has achieved, together with my admiration for the integrity of his ministry to the people of Wales'.
It is understood that a meeting was held this week in which the trustees of the Church in Wales declared that they no longer had confidence in the leadership of the Bangor diocese.
John added in his statement: 'It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years. I cannot thank you enough for the privilege of working at your side for the sake of our saviour Jesus Christ. I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire and I will be in touch again about the way in which this might happen.'
Lord Williams of Oystermouth served as Archbishop of Wales before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002.
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