THE Dean of Llandaff, the Very Revd Gerwyn Capon, has announced his resignation: a decision made “after several weeks of reflection”, the diocese announced on Tuesday.
The Dean has been on sick leave with work-related clinical depression for two years. He had bought allegations of bullying and harassment against the Bishop of Llandaff, the Rt Revd June Osborne, who was deemed to have a case to answer (News, 26 November 2021).
She had been due imminently to come before a Church in Wales disciplinary tribunal, but when the Proctor appointed by the Tribunal to represent the Dean deemed that there was “insufficient evidence to satisfy the burden of proof”, the Dean withdrew the complaint, and the case was technically dismissed (News, 29 April).
The Dean’s public statement said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve the Cathedral community since my appointment in 2014.
“There have been great moments for us in the Cathedral, and despite its many challenges, it has provided a sense of tremendous personal fulfilment. There are many clergy and friends that I will miss as I look back on my time as a priest in Llandaff — I will do so with affection and gratitude.
“I would like very much to thank the many friends in the Cathedral community who have offered such encouragement and support over the years. To preach, teach, and break bread amongst you has been one of the most humbling experiences of my ministry.
“To God’s providence and care I commit you and should be most grateful for your prayers in the next few months as I try to discern where God may wish to lead me.”
Bishop Osborne commented: “In accepting the resignation of the Very Revd Gerwyn Capon as Dean of Llandaff, I know that the communities of the Cathedral and Diocese will want to wish him well.
“I would like to pay my own personal tribute to Gerwyn’s ministry in the diocese, as a colleague, and at Llandaff Cathedral. I wish him all the very best as he discerns his future plans and ask that you keep both him and the Cathedral in your prayers as they move forward in hope.”