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Former Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John shared with BBC Radio Cymru’s Bwrw Golwg that his retirement decision was both right for himself and the Church. He expressed that the choice had a significant impact on him personally, stating, “It has been very painful and my mental health has suffered in a way I’ve never experienced before, but that’s a consequence of having to make big decisions.” The announcement of his immediate retirement came shortly after the release of two critical reports that highlighted issues such as blurred sexual boundaries, excessive alcohol consumption, and weaknesses in governance and safeguarding at Bangor Cathedral.
Although there were no allegations against the archbishop himself, the church’s representative body called for a “change in leadership, procedures, and governance in the Diocese of Bangor.” Following the summaries’ publication, criticisms and demands for an independent inquiry into the diocese ensued, leading to increased pressure for Archbishop Andrew John to step down from his role. He noted that the experience of facing calls for resignation was akin to a nightmare, expressing, “Being present at the meeting and [to] have people more or less calling for your resignation was like being in a nightmare.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Archbishop Andrew John regretted not being more forthcoming with the media to explain ongoing developments. He admitted to being unaware of the “drinking culture” within the choir at Bangor Cathedral, emphasizing the negative impression it left on the diocese. While acknowledging financial mismanagement and past mistakes, he defended the expenses incurred on trips to Rome and Dublin, stating, “It’s not extravagant with 20 people traveling.” The former archbishop expressed his remorse over the issues that occurred under his watch, recognizing the burden of neglecting problems within the diocese.
Aware of the need for transformative cultural shifts within the church, Archbishop Andrew John highlighted the necessity of working collectively to bring about lasting change. He acknowledged the time it would take for reforms to materialize, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility in shaping the future of the diocese. Despite the challenges and criticisms faced during his tenure, he remained resolute in his decision to step down, emphasizing the significance of passing on the mantle of leadership to facilitate progress and renewal within the church
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