THE Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, has announced his immediate retirement, 4 days after issuing an unqualified apology for his part within the failings at Bangor Cathedral.
In an announcement issued on Friday evening, he said: “Dear friends, I’m writing to you to announce my immediate retirement today as Archbishop of Wales. I also intend to retire as Bishop of Bangor on August thirty first.
“It has been an infinite joy to serve within the Church in Wales for over 35 years. I cannot thank you adequate for the privilege of working at your side for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
“I might very very similar to to thank the clergy and congregations of this excellent diocese before I retire and I shall be in contact again in regards to the way wherein this might occur.”
On Monday, he issued an apology for his part within the failings at Bangor Cathedral, within the wake of two reports that recorded concerns about “weak financial controls” and “inappropriate behaviours” (News, 27 June). Referring to “shortcomings and poor organisational practice”, he said: “I deeply regret that they happened under my episcopate and I recognise I should have done more to make sure such failings didn’t occur. I also take full responsibility that I didn’t address these matters quickly enough.”
On Tuesday, the situation at Bangor Cathedral was discussed at a gathering in Cardiff of the Representative Body, which is liable for taking care of the assets of the Church in Wales.
In an announcement issued on behalf of the Bench of Bishops, on Friday evening, the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, Senior Bishop of the Church in Wales, said: “As Archbishop Andrew proclaims his retirement today as Archbishop of Wales and his forthcoming retirement as Bishop of Bangor, the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales wish to precise our heartfelt thanks for his service to the Church during his ministry.
“Andy has dedicated thirty-six years of his life to ordained ministry within the Church in Wales, and has served with commitment and energy to proclaim the Christian Gospel and draw people to deeper faith in Jesus Christ. He has given a lot for the nice of the Church in Wales. He now lays down his considerable responsibilities in the identical spirit wherein he has served for these a long time.
“We offer most sincere thanks, and our commitment to carry him and his family in prayer right now and in the times ahead.”
The Chair of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, Professor Medwin Hughes, said that Archbishop John had “led the Church through a time of immense change and challenge. Throughout his time in post, has shown his deeply felt concern for the welfare, not only of the Church itself, but of our society and the world as an entire.”
