Scandal-hit cathedral could axe jobs to cut costs

A consultation on potential redundancies at Bangor Cathedral has begun

A scandal-hit cathedral is considering making more than two thirds of its staff redundant, whilst threatening those affected with disciplinary action if they discuss the plans.

Documents sent to employees at Bangor Cathedral affected by the proposals and shared with BBC-produced Newyddion S4C state "any breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action".

It adds: If it is unclear who has breached confidentiality, disciplinary action may be taken against all the individuals involved."

A Bangor Cathedral spokesperson confirmed a consultation had begun on potential redundancies due to financial pressures.

Newyddion S4C understands the cathedral employs eight members of lay staff (not including clergy) and that the proposals would mean the loss of five and a half roles, including the operations manager, family officer and verger.

It is the latest in a series of revelations which have dogged the Church in Wales' Bangor diocese this year.

On the first bank holiday in May, the summaries of two reports were published on the Church in Wales website which revealed "a culture in which sexual boundaries had become blurred", inappropriate language had been used and alcohol consumed excessively at the north Wales Cathedral.

It was later revealed a series of serious incident referrals had been made to the Charity Commission in relation to the Bangor Cathedral and diocese in a little over a year.

Former Archbishop of Wales Andy John, who was also Bishop of Bangor until the end of August, announced his immediate retirement at the end of June after persistent negative news stories related to his diocese.

Newyddion S4C understands the cathedral is expected to reimburse the Bangor Diocese after tens of thousands of pounds were spent on furniture for the cathedral, vestments and cathedral choir trips abroad to Dublin and Rome.

It is understood the expenditure occurred during the tenure of Sion Rhys Evans as cathedral sub-dean, who was also secretary of the Bangor diocese.

It is understood that, at the time, there was no instruction to recharge the items to the cathedral or ask for reimbursement and the sub-dean did not have access to the cathedral's online banking.

Cathedral Director of Music Joe Cooper faces having his role halved as part of the redundancy proposals.

He claims he is faced with a two week consultation and fears for the future of the cathedral choir.

Joe Cooper fears the cathedral choir is bearing the brunt of alleged poor financial management

He feels the cathedral choir in particular is bearing the brunt of alleged poor financial management in the past.

"I worry this is the end of my time here as director of music and that is a great shame because it didn't need to be like this," he said.

"If we could have worked together and discussed some things, we could have found a way forward.

"You see items on the news when the people at the top receive consequences for what has happened.

"But I think it's important to remember that the real suffering and the real shame is that when those employees at the very bottom have to bear consequences and responsibilities for the failings of management and governance at higher levels."

When contacted, Sion Rhys Evans declined to comment.

He was suspended from his roles with Bangor Cathedral and Bangor Diocese in February 2024.

The church said in an internal email at the time this was to allow due process to take place and was not in any way any indication of any culpability on his part.

Mr Rhys Evans later left the Church in Wales.

Owain Morgan is a member of the cathedral congregation and a volunteer with the choir.

He feels savings could be made in a more sympathetic way.

"It seems that expenditure has been made from diocesan funds which benefitted the cathedral and that the chapter have agreed to repay these debts," he said.

"The feeling I have is that making people redundant who are so committed, some of whom are vulnerable, because failings have been made in them keeping an eye on their finances, it feels terribly unfair to me.

"I would plead with the cathedral chapter and the Diocese to find a way forward that is a little more compassionate."

Cathedral officials have announced the appointment of a new dean, who will oversee the management of the cathedral.

Dr Manon Ceridwen James will officially begin her role on 10 September.

Sources within the cathedral told Newyddion S4C they believed the redundancy consultation should be paused until the new dean is in position.

A Bangor Cathedral spokesperson said that all relevant policies and procedures are being followed.