This past week has been difficult for all of us who are part of the mission and ministry of our Cathedral Church here in Bangor.

The Chapter of our Cathedral met last Monday. Amongst other items, we reflected on the events during the 11am sacred act of Cathedral worship on Sunday 31 August. This included the choir singing a specially composed and entirely inappropriate piece – entitled ‘Canticle of Indignation’ – whilst members of the congregation were receiving Holy Communion, and the walking out of the choir immediately afterwards whilst the altar party were doing the ablutions[2]. Chapter took the decision to pause all choir activity for an initial period of one month, with immediate effect whilst we review what happened and consider appropriate next steps.

This pause will also provide an opportunity for dialogue between the Chapter and Choir. In the meantime, please note that Joe Cooper, Director of Music, is currently away from his duties.

Finance is challenging for the Chapter at present. Bangor Cathedral is experiencing a significant shortfall between expenditure and income. This has far outstripped any increased income, resulting in a financial deficit that, if unaddressed, will place pressure on our reserves.

Chapter has been working diligently to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the Cathedral’s financial position since the start of this year, and a clearer understanding of our finances is a recommendation in the Visitation and Safeguarding review which was published in May. We have consulted partner charities and commissioned an independent assessment. Whilst the financial situation is very challenging, it is also redeemable. But only with urgent action.

Our projected operational deficit at the end of 2025 is £300k. This puts an unsustainable stress on reserves, which would lead to bankruptcy by the end of 2026. Between 2021 and 2024 there was much investment in the Cathedral’s salaried staffing. Roles which had been carried out by volunteers previously were given to paid staff. Much was achieved and much has been learned.

Despite improvements, salaried staff come with a price. Staffing costs (£204k) and associated costs (BMF £72k, Tŷ Deiniol £45k) will account for 66% of the Cathedral’s budget, and the reality of the Cathedral’s finances make such a level of commitment into the future unfeasible. This year Bangor Cathedral will receive £84k from the RB’s Cathedral Partnership Funding to cover nonclergy staff costs. However, our actual spending on non-clergy staff will be £204k. The Chapter are foregoing the annual grant from Bangor DBF (£61k) in order to repay our debt to them. Even if the Chapter had accepted this grant and put it all towards non-clergy staffing costs, it still would have left Chapter with £58k to fund.

In July, Chapter resolved to take immediate steps to minimise any further deficit in the current year, as well as setting a balanced budget for next year. This may have implications for our staffing structure. We have begun a process of consultation for potential redundancies. We are determined to keep the details of this consultation with employees fair, dignified, confidential and according to HR best practice.

The Chapter of Bangor Cathedral has an unshakeable commitment to Christian mission and the communities we serve, excellence in worship and the centrality of Welsh-language ministry.

Chapter members are deeply aware that this is an unsettling time. The Chapter has to ensure a secure financial future, with income and expenditure that is appropriate for the mission and ministry of our Cathedral Church and the people of Bangor whom we serve.

We do understand the strong feelings and anxiety which have been expressed in recent press reports and social media posts. Our hope is to work with all who care deeply for Bangor Cathedral and its life, rebuilding trust and a sustainable future. It will require us all to pull together, for the sake of the gospel and the future life and health of our Cathedral.

Our new Dean, Dr Manon Ceridwen James, is committed to patient listening and reconciliation. Manon begins to take up her duties at the end of next week in preparation for her installation in October. Please do welcome her warmly into our midst.

Thank you for being part of our Cathedral family. Your faithfulness to our Lord and your ongoing commitment to worship is so important, especially in these challenging circumstances.

Please keep Manon and her family in your prayers, as well as our whole Cathedral family at this difficult time.

Every blessing,

The Chapter of Bangor Cathedral

Comment

In her letter to the Diocese on 5 September 2025, Archbishop Cherry Vann said:

“…from September 1st, I have taken on responsibility as ‘Guardian of the Spiritualities’ for the diocese of Bangor until such time as your new bishop arrives. Whilst I am not able to be bishop for you in the fullest sense of that role, I will be doing what I can to support, encourage and guide you as you enter this new season.

It has been a difficult time for you these past months. This will undoubtedly have had an impact on you in all kinds of ways and to varying degrees. Work is being done to address the issues that have been raised and although it is going to take time for the diocese to get back on an even keel, the necessary work has begun. My prayer is that we will all pull together, strengthened and guided by God’s Holy Spirit and confident that God is leading us into a hopeful future.

You will probably know that a major focus of my ministry as Archbishop for these next three years is going to be healing, reconciliation and the re-building of trust at all levels of the church’s life and I hope that I can begin some of that work with you over the next few months.

I have already spent a day with the three Archdeacons and a zoom call with members of the Diocesan Office Staff. This has helped me to get a better sense of where things are up to and what needs to be put in place. My own Diocesan Secretary, Isabel Thompson, is spending time with the Diocesan Office staff over the next few months to help put policies and procedures in place and ensure good governance at a diocesan level”.

[1] The Chapter Statement on 7 September refers to “recent press reports and social media posts”; these have included news items by Nation.Cymru – (“A news service by the people of Wales, for the people of Wales”); blog posts by Scarlet Cassock; and a petition Save Bangor Cathedral Choir. 

[2] A recording of the service is here.