New dean will ‘continue to address concerns’ at scandal-hit cathedral

Image source, Church in WalesImage caption, Nia Catrin Williams will take up position as the Dean of Bangor Cathedral from January 2027

A new dean has been elected at Bangor Cathedral, the Church in Wales has confirmed.

Nia Catrin Williams will succeed Right Reverend Manon Ceridwen James in the role, who took over as Bishop of Bangor in June after criticism was raised by a safeguarding review of the Gwynedd cathedral in 2025.

Two reports revealed a culture where "sexual boundaries seemed blurred", as well as the use of inappropriate language and an excessive consumption of alcohol.

The Church in Wales said Williams will continue to "address concerns" by "supporting staff and congregations" and "rebuilding trust and confidence".

Williams, who will take up the role in January 2027, is currently ministry area leader of Bro Beuno Sant Uwch Gwyrfai, external, having returned to the diocese of Bangor earlier this year after serving as an armed forces chaplain.

The mother-of-two described her appointment as "an enormous privilege".

"I wish to continue to make the cathedral as a place of prayer and welcome not only for the people of the city but also as the mother church of the diocese," she said.

"I'm looking forward to returning after previously serving as canon missioner and university chaplain over a decade ago."

Williams was ordained priest at St Asaph Cathedral in 1999 before joining the Royal Army Chaplains Department in 2016.

She served in Cyprus as a reservist chaplain with the Royal Air Force and continues to support RAF Valley.

Across the Church in Wales, she also works across children's and youth ministry, safeguarding, and the provincial Welsh language committee.

Image source, Church in WalesImage caption, The Right Reverend Manon Ceridwen James says Williams will be able to "lead with empathy and resilience"

The Right Reverend James said: "Nia's ministerial gifts and leadership experience mean that she is exceptionally well placed to lead the Cathedral and Bro Deiniol into the next chapter of its life."

"In addition to her experience as a parish priest, her service as an army chaplain has equipped her with considerable expertise in pastoral care, team building, and mediation."

"As well as the ability to lead with empathy and resilience through periods of challenge and change."

Away from ministry, Williams is said to enjoy travelling, "tinkering with classic cars", DIY and supporting the Welsh national football team.

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