THE Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, has announced his immediate retirement, four days after issuing an unqualified apology for his part in the failings at Bangor Cathedral.

In a statement issued on Friday evening, he said: “Dear friends, I am writing to you to announce my immediate retirement today as Archbishop of Wales. I also intend to retire as Bishop of Bangor on August 31st.

“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.

“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.”

On Monday, he issued an apology for his part in the failings at Bangor Cathedral, in the wake of two reports that recorded concerns about “weak financial controls” and “inappropriate behaviours” (News, 27 June). Referring to “shortcomings and poor organisational practice”, he said: “I deeply regret that they happened under my episcopate and I recognise I ought to have done more to ensure such failings did not occur. I also take full responsibility that I did not address these matters quickly enough.”

On Tuesday, the situation at Bangor Cathedral was discussed at a meeting in Cardiff of the Representative Body, which is responsible for looking after the assets of the Church in Wales.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Bench of Bishops, on Friday evening, the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, Senior Bishop of the Church in Wales, 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, said that Archbishop John had “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.”