Andrew John’s sudden retirement comes after reports into the Bangor diocese raised concerns about excessive drinking and ‘sexual behaviour’
21:47, 27 Jun 2025Updated 22:04, 27 Jun 2025
Archbishop Andy John, the Archbishop of Wales and leader of Church in Wales has announced his retirement.(Image: Church in Wales)
The Archbishop of Wales has announced his immediate retirement. The Most Revd. Andrew John confirmed he also intendeds to retire as the Bishop of Bangor on August 31.
His sudden retirement comes in the wake of two reports, commissioned by the Church in Wales over concerns about the culture surrounding the Bangor Diocese.
The reports referenced inappropriate behaviour, lack of boundaries, excessive alcohol consumption and “sexual behaviour–that did not reflect the professional standards expected in a Christian church”.
The Church in Wales and the bench of bishops expressed their gratitude to Archbishop John,. in the wake of today’s announcement.
The Archbishop said: “It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years. I cannot thank you enough for the privilege of working at your side for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
He added: “I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire and I will be in touch again about the way in which this might happen.
“Thank you, and Christ give you joy and peace in believing.”
The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Rev’d Gregory Cameron, Senior Bishop of the Church in Wales, spoke on behalf of the Bench of Bishops in a statement about the Archbishop’s retirement.
He said: “As Archbishop Andrew announces his retirement today as Archbishop of Wales and his forthcoming retirement as Bishop of Bangor, the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales wish to express our heartfelt thanks for his service to the Church during his ministry.
“Andy has dedicated thirty-six years of his life to ordained ministry in the Church in Wales, and has served with commitment and energy to proclaim the Christian Gospel and draw people to deeper faith in Jesus Christ.
“He has given so much for the good of the Church in Wales. He now lays down his considerable responsibilities in the same spirit in which he has served for these decades.
“We offer most sincere thanks, and our commitment to hold him and his family in prayer at this time and in the days ahead.”
The Chair of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, Professor Medwin Hughes also shared his gratitude to Archbishop Andrew. He said: “As Archbishop Andrew retires from his duties, I wish to thank him on behalf of The Representative Body of the Church in Wales for his hard work, commitment and vision during his time as Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor.
“The Archbishop has led the Church through a time of immense change and challenge. Throughout his time in post, has shown his deeply felt concern for the welfare, not just of the Church itself, but of our society and the world as a whole.
“I know that everyone who has worked with The Archbishop during his ministry will have been touched by his pastoral care and his profound dedication to improving the life of the Church in Wales and of the wider community.
“As he now passes that work to other hands, I want to place on record my sincere gratitude for all he has achieved, together with my admiration for the integrity of his ministry to the people of Wales. All members of the Representative Body will continue to hold The Archbishop and his family in our prayers.”