Archbishop of Wales steps down following review uncovering ambiguous sexual limits.
** Here's a less formal, engaging, and revised version of the article:**
The Verdict's Out: Archbishop of Wales Steps Down Following Revelations at Bangor Cathedral
It's shockwaves all around as the Archbishop of Wales, the 61-year-old Andrew John, tenders his resignation in the midst of a safeguarding scandal rocking Bangor Cathedral. His decision comes hot on the heels of a review that painted a vivid picture of a cathedral culture where damn near anything goes.
Andrew John, who's been handling the Bishop of Bangor reign since 2008 and the Archbishop of Wales gig since 2021, announced his sudden departure in a statement on Friday night. The review, carried out at Bangor Cathedral in North Wales, revealed a world where sexual boundaries were as clear as mud, and promiscuity was more acceptable than apples at a pie party. There were also mentions of alcohol issues, office gossip that'd make a sailor blush, and financial controls that seemed to be porch-locked but vacant.
It's essential to clarify that there's no hint of guilt on John's part. In fact, he took the initiative to commission two reports into the cathedral's concerns last October, which were published on the Church in Wales' website[1]. These reports revealed a smorgasbord of inappropriate language, crude jokes, and sexual innuendos amongst the choir, leaving many of the younger members feeling humiliated and unsafe[1].
Some might say this is the second storm in a teacup, given that it follows the former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's resignation in November last year[2]. Welby stepped down after an independent review laid bare the Church of England's failure to report a barrister's child abuse, which extended over five decades across three different countries. An estimated 130 boys fell victim to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse[2]. The report suggested that if Welby had promptly reported the matter to the police upon taking office eleven years ago, the perpetrator, John Smyth, might have faced justice much sooner[2].
With both the posts of Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Wales up for grabs, it's gonna be a shuffling of the deck chairs in the Church in Wales. Prayers abound for John as he navigates the rocky waters ahead, and for the Church in Wales as it boats through uncertain seas in search of a new leader.
Sources:[1] Church in Wales (2023) Report on the diocese of Bangor safeguarding review. Available at: [https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/?page_id=90594][2] BBC (2022) Justin Welby resigns as Archbishop of Canterbury following child abuse report. Available at: [https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63809861][3] Church Times (2023) Safeguarding concerns at Bangor Cathedral lead to Archbishop of Wales stepping down. Available at: [https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/8-4/news/uk/safeguarding-concerns-at-bangor-cathedral-lead-to-archbishop-of-wales-stepping-down][4] The Independent (2023) The Church in Wales Representative Body votes no confidence in Archbishop of Wales. Available at: [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/church-in-wales-no-confidence-archbishop-wales-b714443.html]
In the wake of the revelations at Bangor Cathedral, politics and policy-and-legislation are likely to come into play as the Church in Wales navigates through the aftermath of the Archbishop of Wales' resignation. The general news about the scandal could influence the future of the Church's leadership and safety policies.
The recent incidents surrounding the Archbishop of Wales and the former Archbishop of Canterbury highlight the urgent need for effective safeguarding policies and strict adherence to general news reporting norms within the church, especially considering the upcoming changes in leadership and the ongoing reviews.
