Rev Canon Siôn ap Rhys-Evans was regarded by many as a protégé of the Archbishop of Wales, Andy John.
He rose quickly within clerical structure, being granted the role of diocesan secretary of Bangor in 2013, several years prior to ordination.
After training and becoming ordained as a priest in 2020, Canon Rhys-Evans was also appointed as Sub-Dean of St Deiniol’s Cathedral in Bangor. He was unable to be referred to as ‘Dean’, as deans must be ordained for a minimum of six years.
Controversy lay in Rhys’-Evans simultaneously holding the two roles.
A source told Nation Cymru: “It is unusual and perhaps inadvisable for one individual to hold both posts. It raises governance concerns. Both the diocese and the cathedral are registered charities and therefore regulated by the Charity Commission.
“Concerns have been raised about the use of charity money to make major purchases for the cathedral, including a new set of pews at a cost of around £235,000…
“The governance arrangements are clearly compromised by having one person wearing two hats, and the Archbishop should be open about why he thought that was a good idea.”
On February 29th 2024, he was placed on gardening leave due to an undisclosed complaint.
The source highlighted that Canon Rhys-Evans had done well in aspects of work, describing congregation growth under his leadership as “encouraging”.
“There were between 350 and 400 people in the congregation last Christmas Eve,” the source said in reference to 2023. “Extra seats in the side aisles were necessary for the first time in years.”
However, a statement on the Diocese of Bangor’s website now reads: “Canon Siôn Rhys Evans is leaving his roles as Diocesan Secretary and Sub-Dean.”
Premier has contacted the Church in Wales for comment, but at the time of writing none has been given. Rev Canon Rhys-Evans has also not addressed the matter.
A source in the Bangor Diocese told Nation Cymru that they were in St Deiniol’s Cathedral when an announcement about Canon Rhys-Evans’ departure was made.
“It was very noticeable that not a word of thanks was uttered,” the source said.
“As in other situations, the Church has been very secretive about [any severance pay] from the time he went on gardening leave. People who attend services in the Diocese and make donations to the Church ought to be told what (it) has gone on.”