Bangor Cathedral Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged “Binge Drinking Culture” and Safeguarding Failures

Recent revelations have cast a shadow over Bangor Cathedral, with former members and attendees speaking out about a purported “binge drinking culture” and instances of alleged misbehavior within the diocese. These claims have surfaced in the wake of the abrupt retirement of Andrew John as the Archbishop of Wales, following critical reports that highlighted significant concerns regarding safeguarding and misconduct within his Bangor diocese.

An anonymous source, who formerly sang with the cathedral choir, described a troubling environment where “there seemed to be any excuse to bring out the wine” and frequent visits to the pub were commonplace. This alleged culture of excessive alcohol consumption has raised serious questions about the spiritual and pastoral care provided at the historic 6th Century Gwynedd cathedral.

The controversy intensified with the departure of Archbishop Andrew John. While not personally implicated in any wrongdoing, his resignation was prompted by two independent reports detailing safeguarding issues and inappropriate behavior within his former diocese. The Church in Wales has acknowledged these concerns, stating that “the abuse of alcohol is always inappropriate” and that a new policy on alcohol use is under development to address these issues.

Further details emerged from an individual, identified only as Jessica for her safety, who recounted an alleged assault at a 2022 Oktoberfest event held at the cathedral. She claims the perpetrator, a man undergoing training to become a priest, was visibly intoxicated. Jessica reported the incident, noting that despite warnings about the individual’s excessive drinking, the behavior continued, ultimately leading to the assault. She also mentioned that other instances of sexual assault were reported by different individuals at the same event.

Jessica further detailed a pattern of heavy drinking, with “several bottles of prosecco” frequently consumed on Sunday mornings and alcohol readily available at various cathedral events. She expressed concern that warnings were ignored, contributing to a climate where such incidents could occur. The Church in Wales confirmed that Jessica’s complaint, along with another, led to the termination of the man’s priest training.

“Seven Last Shots of Christ” Incident and Broader Concerns

Adding to the concerns, Jessica described an incident on Good Friday in 2023 where members of the choir, accompanied by some priests, engaged in a drinking game referred to as the “Seven Last Shots of Christ.” This event, held after a cathedral concert, involved consuming seven shots of alcohol, a practice Jessica found deeply inappropriate, particularly as some participants were wearing clerical attire. She stated her discomfort led her to leave the gathering early.

During a choir tour to Rome in June 2023, Jessica, who was teetotal at the time, felt pressured to consume alcohol, with her refusal being met with questioning and resistance. She perceived this as part of a broader issue where alcohol was excessively promoted and normalized within the group.

Esmé Byrd, a former lay clerk at Bangor Cathedral for six months, corroborated these concerns, characterizing the alcohol culture as “deeply unhealthy” and leading to instances of severe intoxication. She noted that alcohol was “almost all the services or various events,” with a prevalent attitude that seemed to encourage consumption at every opportunity.

Byrd also raised alarm bells regarding the inappropriate conduct and language directed at younger members of the choir, including children as young as six or seven. She highlighted a significant lack of safeguarding training and awareness, describing the environment as lacking fundamental safety measures and professional conduct. Despite raising her concerns, Byrd eventually resigned in January 2023 due to a perceived lack of action and a sense of negligence within the diocese.

The Church in Wales has responded to these allegations, confirming that concerns about the drinking culture were a catalyst for their investigation. They stated that alcohol is no longer generally available after services and that improvements to policies and practices are being implemented. While asserting they do not believe the cathedral was unsafe for children, the church acknowledged the need for enhanced policies and procedures in line with legislation. Regarding the blessing of beer, they noted it is an occasional church practice but reiterated that alcohol abuse is unacceptable.

The Church in Wales has called for a series of reviews and investigations into the Bangor diocese and cathedral to address the reported weaknesses in governance, safeguarding, and the handling of misconduct. These actions aim to bring about necessary changes in leadership, procedures, and overall governance to ensure a safer and more appropriate environment within the cathedral community.