A trainee priest is alleged to have sexually assaulted two worshippers while drunk at a cathedral where choristers played a last seven shots of Christ drinking game.
Serious complaints have been made about ‘a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred’ at Bangor Cathedral with one of the victims coming forward.
One of the trainee’s alleged victims said she was assaulted at the Cathedral’s booze-addled Oktoberfest event in 2022.
She explained that the priest-in-training had consumed copious amounts of alcohol which led to the assault.
‘He had had considerably too much to drink,’ she told the BBC.
‘I’d already warned people that night he’s drinking a lot more than everyone else. So these warning signs were ignored and that led to that assault.’
The Church in Wales confirmed that two people complained about the man’s behavior and his priest training was not taken forward.
Despite reporting the assault and receiving an apology, she said the intense drinking culture at the church did not change.
The claims come days after the Archbishop of Wales (pictured) announced his sudden retirement following a critical report into the drinking culture at Bangor Cathedral
Serious complaints have been made about ‘a culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred’ at Bangor Cathedral (pictured) with victims of assault coming forward
She explained that after a cathedral concert on Good Friday in 2023, where the choir sang seven songs to mark the Seven Last Words of Christ – the seven last sentences that Jesus spoke from the cross – choristers and priests went for a drink.
To mark the occasion they all decided to do ‘the seven last shots of Christ’.
Meanwhile, Esme Byrd, 29, who was a lay clerk at Bangor Cathedral for six months said there was an ‘unhealthy’ culture of binge drinking at the church.
Ms Byrd, who sang with the choir until she left in January said she was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of younger members of the choir.
‘I looked around and I just thought, this is not safe,’ Esme told the BBC. ‘This is not a safe and nurturing and good environment for children to be in.’
She left the church after her concerns were ignored and a lack of action was taken.
The claims come days after the Archbishop of Wales announced his sudden retirement following a critical report into the drinking culture at Bangor Cathedral.
Most Reverend Andrew John said he would also be stepping down from his role as Bishop of Bangor on August 31.
Esme Byrd, 29, (pictured) who was a lay clerk at Bangor Cathedral for six months said there was an ‘unhealthy’ culture of binge drinking at the church
After a cathedral concert on Good Friday in 2023, where the choir sang seven songs to mark the Seven Last Words of Christ, choristers and priests drank seven shots
The report included claims of excessive drinking and ‘inappropriate language’ being used in front of younger members of the choir.
Announcing his retirement on Friday, Mr John said: ‘It has been an enormous joy to serve in the Church in Wales for over 35 years.
‘I would very much like to thank the clergy and congregations of this wonderful diocese before I retire.’
While no mention of the report was made in his retirement announcement, Mr John has previously faced calls to resign.
Ruth Jones, Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, said: ‘We want openness and transparency in all our church settings and it’s really, really important that the archbishop makes clear what has gone on.’
Two priests from within Bangor Cathedral have also called an independent inquiry following the report into the church’s culture.
Mr John previously offered his ‘most heartfelt apology to any members of the cathedral community who have been hurt or who feel I have let them down’.
Mr John assumed the role of Bishop of Bangor in 2008. He was elected Archbishop of Wales in December 2021 and was the 14th person to hold the title.
MailOnline has contacted Bangor Cathedral for comment.
