Inappropriate behaviour claims in report

Complaints about a “culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred”, inappropriate language and excessive consumption of alcohol have been highlighted in a cathedral safeguarding review.

In February, the Church in Wales launched an investigation into a “very serious and urgent” safeguarding issue at Bangor Cathedral in Gwynedd, although details were not revealed.

The independent report, published on Saturday evening, also found a “lack of contracts for” paid roles or tenancy agreements and an absence of codes of conduct.

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, who is also Bishop of Bangor, said the findings of the independent review had “identified some concerns which needed to be addressed”.

A number of people “linked to the life of the cathedral” were invited to take part in the review by Thirtyone:eight, a group specialising in providing safeguarding advice in church settings.

But the report’s authors have said the “audit did not include a fact-finding exercise where the strength of evidence was tested in relation to complaints made against specific individuals”.

“Although generally people conducted themselves well, the reviewers were also informed of inappropriate behaviours such as inappropriate language, lack of boundaries around communication (outside of work hours and away from office premises), excessive consumption of alcohol etc,” said the summary report.

“Complaints were also made of others in the cathedral that were actively involved in inappropriate language being used in front of younger members of the choir and that this was more than ‘banter’, and at times was reported to cause potentially humiliation to some.

“Accounts indicate a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred, and to some in their view promiscuity was acceptable.”

It went on to say “there didn’t to some appear to be any safeguards put in place when some individuals’ behaviours reportedly became unacceptable, and this started to affect others”.

The report said reviewers were made aware of WhatsApp groups which individuals used to express their thoughts and frustrations.

“These reported negative comments appear wholly inappropriate and if, this is the case, then guidance should be provided to explore safe and appropriate use of social media.”

The review said “staff were not aware of behaviour guidelines” which could leave children, vulnerable adults, cathedral staff, and the church’s reputation “potentially more vulnerable to allegations and abuse”.

It said while the consumption of alcohol was a “factor within this environment, therefore it’s recommended that a clear policy is adopted to ensure that when served after services in the cathedral, people are aware of the need to limit the access to some individuals and avoid any pressure to conform to drinking unwanted alcohol”.

It also said the cathedral was an “open environment to members of the public entering during service times but even during times where access is restricted there are so many keyholders that people can walk into children’s group without any knowledge that they are there”.

It also called for appropriate security checks – Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) – are made when recruiting staff for some roles.

The review did highlight “key strengths”, including a “basic awareness” of safeguarding, with all clergy and a number of lay members having attended safeguarding training.

And it also mentioned it was “reported that over the last couple of years there had been significant positive changes within the cathedral, including embedding the Welsh language into the services”.

While publishing the review, the Most Reverend Andrew John said in a statement, the “these findings are hard to hear but they must be faced if we are to move forward with integrity”.

He also published the findings of a separate Visitation – the church term for an inquiry conducted by senior figures from the Church in Wales, which issued a number of recommendations, including appointing strong leadership and creating a culture of respectful communications.

The Archbishop said: “While this has been a sobering time, it also offers us opportunity for change.

“It will mean hard work, but it can also bring healing, and we do not do this alone.

“As Christians, we know that we are people who need repentance and hope.”