A safeguarding audit has been critical of a few of the practices and culture at Bangor Cathedral, with claims of weak financial controls, excessive alcohol use, and “blurred” sexual boundaries.
The audit, which was conducted by independent safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight, praised Bangor Cathedral for plenty of successful projects and for its inclusive community, specifically noting that those with autism “found belonging, acceptance, community, and inclusion”.
However, the audit also revealed plenty of concerning shortcomings. The report found that the Cathedral’s approach to safeguarding failed to satisfy the standards expected within the Church in Wales.
Management was also criticised for an apparent lack of transparency and rigour, with claims of an absence of oversight and instances of favouritism. Financial decisions were also insufficiently scrutinised, the charity said.
Despite being positive concerning the sense of community within the church, the audit noted instances of online and offline gossip, which had caused division and hurt.
Perhaps more concerning was the reports findings about alcohol and sexual matters.
Alcohol consumption was described within the report as “excessive” and a recent policy on the problem was really helpful as a matter of urgency.
The report also stated, “Accounts indicate a culture through which sexual boundaries seemed blurred, and to some of their view promiscuity was acceptable.”
The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Reverend Andrew John, who has faced calls to resign following the audit, admitted that the findings of the report were “hard to listen to”, but committed himself and the Church to addressing the situation.
“I actually have begun reflecting on what I need to learn from this process – not only as a pacesetter, but as a fellow pilgrim,” he said.
He continued, “We shall commit ourselves to the work of repair, of rebuilding trust and of making a healthier culture–together.”
Describing the situation as “sobering”, the archbishop committed himself and the cathedral to a strategy of change.
“It will mean labor, but it will possibly also bring healing, and we don’t do that alone,” he said.
“As Christians, we all know that we’re individuals who need repentance and hope. We know our human flaws–but we also know the grace of a God who shares our humanity, understands our weaknesses and strengthens us to change into the Church, he calls us to be.”
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