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Former Archbishop Andrew John of Wales has admitted to having knowledge of a safeguarding incident involving a drunken sexual assault in his diocese, despite previously denying awareness of such behavior. Exhibiting a change in his stance, John retired as Archbishop of Wales on 27 June and is set to retire as Bishop of Bangor at the end of August. On the weekend, a BBC investigation uncovered that the alleged assault was carried out by a man aspiring to become a priest.
The controversies surrounding John’s retirement were exacerbated by the publication of summaries from two critical reports. These reports highlighted issues such as blurred sexual boundaries, excessive alcohol consumption, and governance and safeguarding deficiencies at Bangor Cathedral. Although there was no implication of inappropriate behavior on the Archbishop’s part, the church’s governing body emphasized the necessity for a transformation in leadership, procedures, and governance within the Diocese of Bangor.
In a further development, on 6 July, BBC Radio Cymru’s Bwrw Golwg program aired an interview with the former Archbishop, shedding more light on the situation. Despite earlier denials, questions were raised about John’s knowledge regarding a reported sexual assault incident. Following the program, a member of the public contacted BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, suggesting that it was probable for John to be informed about the decision to cease the priest’s training, contradicting his claims made during the Bwrw Golwg interview.
The controversy continued as a statement from a Bangor Cathedral spokesperson affirmed that the matter was indeed brought to the bishop’s attention in 2022. Subsequently, the Provincial Safeguarding Team conducted a review of the incident and suggested that the individual should not be allowed to attend the Cathedral. Emphasizing that the individual in question was seeking a return to ministry without any current authorization from the Church in Wales, the spokesperson clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident and subsequent actions taken
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