[Church in Wales] The Rev. Manon Ceridwen James was installed as dean of Bangor Cathedral at a service there on Oct. 11. James takes up the post following a period of financial pressure, governance issues and public scrutiny at the cathedral. She has been appointed to lead the community through recovery, restore trust and support reconciliation and healing across the cathedral.
James previously was dean for initial ministerial training at the St. Padarn’s Institute. She also has a close relationship with Bangor Cathedral, having been ordained deacon there in 1994 and priest in 1997.
James also has been involved with training for ministry in the Church in Wales since 2005. She has extensive parish experience and has held various senior leadership roles, including diocesan director of ordinands and director of ministry. As a Welsh speaker, her media work includes regular contributions to BBC Radio Cymru as well as BBC Radio Wales programmes.
Speaking ahead of her installation, James said: “I am honored to take up the role of dean at Bangor Cathedral and to lead the cathedral through a period of healing and reconciliation. As dean, my priority is to restore confidence in the cathedral’s mission and ministry and to ensure it remains a place that reflects the best of Bangor and the wider diocese.
“I look forward to working with the dedicated team already serving the cathedral. Their commitment to showing God’s love in the city is remarkable, and it will be a privilege to support and lead them in this work.”
Archbishop of Wales Cherry Vann presided at the service. She said: “It is a joy to welcome Manon Ceridwen James as the new dean of Bangor Cathedral. The cathedral has faced a difficult period recently, and it is essential that these issues are addressed openly and responsibly. Manon brings the experience, commitment and clarity of purpose needed to guide the cathedral through this time, helping to rebuild trust and strengthen its role as the mother church of the Diocese of Bangor.
“As she takes up this role, please keep her and the cathedral community in your prayers, that under her leadership it may continue to serve and worship God faithfully, and be a stable and inspiring presence for all who come to worship or visit.”