Ex-Archbishop was aware of sexual assault allegations

The former Archbishop of Wales has admitted he was aware of a safeguarding incident involving a drunken sexual assault in his diocese, despite previously denying knowledge of "that sort of behaviour".

Andrew John retired with immediate effect as Archbishop of Wales on 27 June and will retire as Bishop of Bangor at the end of August.

On Saturday, a BBC investigation revealed the alleged assault was by a man seeking to become a priest.

After initially denying any awareness in a BBC interview, a Church in Wales spokesperson has confirmed the matter had been reported to Andrew John but it said the man had no licence to officiate, which Mr John said his comments referred to.

The BBC investigation found that in 2022, a man training to become a priest sexually assaulted a member of the Bangor Cathedral choir while he was drunk.

After the alleged victim came forward, the man issued an apology, and his training to become a priest was discontinued.

Mr John's retirement follows the publication of the summaries of two critical reports which mentioned "a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred", excessive alcohol consumption, as well as governance and safeguarding weaknesses at Bangor Cathedral.

While there is no suggestion the archbishop behaved inappropriately, the church's representative body had said there must be a "change in leadership, procedures and governance in the Diocese of Bangor".

After the publication of the summaries, he had faced criticism and calls to stand down, with calls for an independent inquiry into the diocese.

On 6 July, BBC Radio Cymru's Bwrw Golwg programme broadcast an interview with the former Archbishop.

Amongst many questions, the presenter asked Mr John whether he was aware about the sexual assault the woman had reported.

He responded by saying: "No, no.

"I have never seen clerics with the choir or misbehaving at all.

"So I'm not sure what's behind this story but the conduct I've seen is people having a good time and relaxing within acceptable boundaries."

After the programme aired, a member of the public got in touch with BBC-produced Newyddion S4C claiming it was "highly likely" Mr John would have been aware of a decision not to continue with the priest's training.

"It is likely then that John was aware of the culture of drinking at his cathedral in late 2022 and that his denial on Bwrw Golwg was an untruth," the person added.

In a statement of response, a Bangor Cathedral spokesperson confirmed the matter was brought to the bishop's attention in 2022.

It said the Provincial Safeguarding Team reviewed the incident and recommended that the individual should not attend the Cathedral.

The team also advised that any attendance at a Church in Wales place of worship must be subject to a safeguarding agreement - which the church said was implemented.

"The Bishop wishes to clarify that the person was not in training but a priest ordained in the Church of England who had moved to Wales and was seeking a return to ministry.

"At the time of this incident the priest did not have any licence or permission to officiate from the Church in Wales," the spokesperson said.

The Church also confirmed that an internal investigation took place, with recommendations and advice passed to the Archbishop.

When asked about the apparent discrepancy between Andrew John's Bwrw Golwg interview and the Church's statement, a Church in Wales spokesperson said: "The Bishop was referring to clerics officiating with his licence or permission.

"This individual had neither."