The former Archbishop of Wales has admitted deep regret over a longstanding culture of excessive drinking and troubling behavior among clergy and choir members in Bangor Cathedral, revealed after several disturbing reports surfaced.

Andrew John’s resignation on June 27, 2025, came amid mounting concerns over alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, and poor safeguarding practices within the Diocese of Bangor that spurred internal investigations and church reforms, The Christian Post reported.

John, who led the Church in Wales until his abrupt retirement, acknowledged the damage caused by the “drinking culture” that developed during his tenure in the cathedral community. Allegations surfaced of clergy and choir members participating in alcohol-fueled activities following religious services, drawing national attention and criticism.

“Seven shots of Christ” and post-service drinking games

One report highlighted a troubling incident following a Good Friday concert in 2023, where attendees, including clergy members, went to a local pub and played a game involving seven shots called the “seven last shots of Christ.” The game was reportedly connected to a musical reflection on the “Seven Last Words of Christ” performed earlier that evening at the cathedral.

A former choir member, Jessica, who attended the event, stated she left after the first round due to discomfort. “There are too many people taking shots in dog collars for me to be comfortable,” she said, reflecting on the presence of clergy at the event and the behavior that unfolded.

Jessica also revealed a separate complaint from 2022, when she experienced a sexual assault by a man training for the priesthood. The incident occurred after he had been drinking heavily during a cathedral-sponsored Oktoberfest event, raising further questions about the role alcohol played in fostering unsafe conditions.

Former members speak out about a toxic environment

Esmé Byrd, who performed as a lay clerk at Bangor Cathedral from mid-2022 to early 2023, echoed similar concerns about the institutional culture. She characterized the atmosphere as “deeply unhealthy,” citing routine drunkenness and inappropriate comments, including in the presence of children.

Byrd noted that people would often become “catastrophically drunk,” describing alcohol as a regular and expected part of both religious and social gatherings. She also pointed out a lack of proper vetting or safeguarding training for those in church roles involving minors.

Jessica alleged that the Sunday morning environment at the cathedral normalized alcohol use to a degree that “several bottles of prosecco would be gone through” during fellowship hours. Despite receiving a personal apology regarding the past misconduct, she felt the broader culture remained unchanged.

Official response and policy changes underway

The Church in Wales acknowledged longstanding concerns about harmful drinking practices, which eventually led to a Bishop’s visitation of Bangor Cathedral in response. A church spokesperson confirmed that alcohol usage following services is no longer generally permitted.

Additionally, officials stated that some of the inappropriate behavior in the past occurred under peer pressure, further contributing to the toxic dynamics within the cathedral community. New efforts are now being made to draw clearer boundaries and instill accountability.

Safeguarding procedures have been updated to require criminal background checks and training aligned with national legal standards. These revisions aim to prevent abuses and ensure that anyone working with children is properly vetted and educated.

Structural flaws examined in critical reports

Two formal reports addressing dysfunction within the cathedral community pointed to blurred lines in sexual relationships, inadequate financial oversight, and a lack of leadership accountability. These findings have encouraged broader calls for reform not only within Bangor but across the Church in Wales.

Additional problems included harmful gossip and online harassment, which compounded the emotional toll on staff and community members. These patterns helped prompt a meeting of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales shortly before John’s departure.

That June 2025 gathering in Cardiff resulted in recommendations for governance and procedural reforms across the Diocese of Bangor. The objective is to create better leadership structures and preventative safeguards in future church communities.

Charity Commission investigation adds pressure

Compounding the crisis, The Times reported that six serious incident notifications tied to diocesan charities have been submitted to the Charity Commission. The agency has opened an investigation into these cases, although specific details of its inquiry remain undisclosed.

While the man accused of assaulting Jessica is no longer pursuing the priesthood following complaints from multiple individuals, many questions persist about how these issues were allowed to take root and remain unchallenged for years.

In his departure remarks, John admitted that his leadership fell short in key areas, stating, “It pains me that these things happened under my watch, and I’ll have to live with that.” He also noted he had not realized how widespread the alcohol problem was until accounts became public.

Reflections on a troubled legacy

“The idea that they went out after important services, that they went out until late, saddens me,” John said. “It gives a bad impression of the diocese.” He added that stepping aside was necessary after feedback from church representatives.

“I don’t think I had a chance to explain the changes we’ve made, and how complicated things are,” he said. “But, having heard from them, I don’t want to be a problem for them either.”

For those who experienced harm, like Jessica and Esmé Byrd, acknowledgment is only the first step. They and others continue to call for sustained change in the cathedral’s culture and oversight moving forward.