Introduction: Who Is Siôn Rhys Evans?
Siôn Rhys Evans is a name well known within Welsh ecclesiastical circles. Once respected for his dedication and administrative skill, Evans held key roles within the Diocese of Bangor, one of the most historically significant dioceses in Wales. Over the past decade, he worked as Diocesan Secretary, Company Secretary for the Bangor Diocesan Board of Finance, and later as Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer of Bangor Cathedral. However, what started as a promising clerical and administrative career gradually became mired in controversy. By late 2024, a formal Visitation report revealed deep governance and financial irregularities within the cathedral’s management — placing Siôn Rhys Evans at the center of one of the most serious church governance scandals in recent years.
Early Career of Siôn Rhys Evans
Before controversy surrounded his name, Siôn Rhys Evans was regarded as a competent and devout church administrator. His career within the Church in Wales showed steady progression.
- Around 2013, he began serving as the Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Bangor. This role carries significant responsibility, including overseeing the diocese’s financial operations, governance systems, and communications between parishes.
- By 2017, official records list him as Company Secretary of the Bangor Diocesan Board of Finance, responsible for ensuring compliance with charity law and financial management.
- In the following years, Evans’s reputation grew, leading to his appointment as Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer of Bangor Cathedral — two influential positions overseeing the cathedral’s operations, finances, and spiritual life.
These overlapping roles made Siôn Rhys Evans one of the most influential administrative figures in the Diocese of Bangor. Yet they would later become a focal point of criticism for potential conflicts of interest and excessive centralization of power.
The Responsibilities of Siôn Rhys Evans at Bangor Cathedral
As Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer, Siôn Rhys Evans was directly involved in the day-to-day running of Bangor Cathedral — a 6th-century site that remains one of Wales’s oldest Christian institutions. His duties included:
- Overseeing financial management and budgeting for the cathedral;
- Managing staff and coordinating restoration and refurbishment projects;
- Leading certain liturgical and community events;
- Working closely with the Dean, Chapter, and Diocesan Office on administrative and policy matters.
His dual appointment — managing both cathedral finances and diocesan financial governance — positioned him at the heart of nearly every major decision involving the Church in Bangor. This unique concentration of authority, though initially intended to streamline processes, later became one of the significant concerns raised by investigators.
The Bangor Cathedral Visitation Report (2024–2025)
What Triggered the Investigation?
In October 2024, concerns were formally raised about governance and financial management within Bangor Cathedral. These concerns led to a Visitation — an internal ecclesiastical review commissioned by the Church in Wales to assess administration, conduct, and accountability within the cathedral.
The Visitation Report, completed in early 2025, painted a troubling picture. It identified “serious weaknesses” in financial controls, decision-making, and oversight — areas that were under the joint responsibility of Siôn Rhys Evans and other senior clergy.
Key Findings of the Report
According to multiple public reports and documents, the findings included:
- Spending irregularities: Approximately £418,000 was reportedly spent on cathedral furnishings — such as new pews, altar fittings, and choir stalls — without full or proper authorization.
- Unapproved travel expenses: Around £20,000 was spent on trips to Dublin and Rome, allegedly drawn from diocesan rather than cathedral funds.
- Governance gaps: The report found that reporting lines were unclear, accountability mechanisms were weak, and financial oversight was insufficiently scrutinized.
- Conduct issues: Beyond finances, the report noted that “conduct in some areas — relating to alcohol use and sexual behaviour — did not reflect the professional standards expected in a Christian church.”
The combination of these factors severely damaged public confidence in Bangor Cathedral’s leadership and highlighted the risks of allowing one individual to hold multiple key roles simultaneously.
Siôn Rhys Evans Placed on Leave
Following the revelations, Siôn Rhys Evans was placed on gardening leave in February 2024, pending further investigation. The Church in Wales emphasized that this move was not a presumption of guilt but a step to ensure transparency and due process while the inquiry proceeded.
During this period, Evans was removed from day-to-day responsibilities, and interim management was introduced to stabilize cathedral operations. Nonetheless, the decision effectively signaled a loss of confidence on the part of the higher church authorities.
Resignation and Departure
On 29 December 2024, an official statement from the Diocese of Bangor announced that Siôn Rhys Evans had left his roles as both Diocesan Secretary and Sub-Dean. No details were provided about any disciplinary outcomes or settlements, but his departure closed a chapter of leadership spanning over a decade.
The Church in Wales confirmed that the Visitation’s recommendations were being implemented — including a separation of diocesan and cathedral responsibilities in future appointments. The report explicitly advised that “any future appointment to the role of Dean or Sub-Dean should be exclusive of other responsibilities,” to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure greater accountability.
The Broader Impact on Bangor Cathedral and the Diocese
The aftermath of the Siôn Rhys Evans case has been profound for both Bangor Cathedral and the Diocese of Bangor. The revelations triggered significant discussions about financial oversight, clerical ethics, and the structural governance of church institutions.
Governance Reforms
Since the report’s publication, Bangor Cathedral has moved to tighten its internal controls by:
- Introducing independent financial audits;
- Establishing a Cathedral Council with lay representation;
- Implementing new safeguarding and professional conduct policies;
- Redefining roles to prevent the accumulation of excessive authority in one person.
Financial Recovery and Rebuilding Trust
Restoring public and parishioner trust remains a priority. The cathedral has undertaken efforts to clarify how funds were used and to demonstrate responsible management moving forward. Several fundraising and transparency initiatives have been launched to reassure the local community that lessons have been learned.
Public and Media Reactions
The Siôn Rhys Evans controversy received significant media attention across Wales, with outlets like Nation Cymru, Herald Wales, and various independent church blogs reporting on the case.
Reactions among clergy and congregants were mixed. While some expressed disappointment at the alleged misuse of funds and ethical breaches, others emphasized the need for compassion and due process, noting that no formal criminal charges against Evans had been made public.
Social media discussions reflected broader frustrations with institutional transparency within religious organizations, echoing similar challenges seen in other denominations worldwide.
The Case as a Governance Lesson
The case of Siôn Rhys Evans functions as a cautionary tale about the risks of overlapping administrative power and inadequate oversight within faith institutions. It underscores the importance of:
- Checks and balances in church governance;
- Transparency in financial decision-making.
- Professional accountability for clergy and lay staff alike.
Many observers hope the scandal will catalyze lasting structural reforms within the Church in Wales, making future governance more transparent, accountable, and participatory.
Where Is Siôn Rhys Evans Now?
As of 2025, Siôn Rhys Evans has largely withdrawn from public and clerical life. No official statements or interviews have been issued by him personally, and the Church in Wales has not disclosed whether any formal disciplinary or civil actions were taken.
While some reports suggest he may continue to be involved in local community or charitable activities, his professional association with Bangor Cathedral and the Diocese of Bangor has officially ended.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Siôn Rhys Evans
The story of Siôn Rhys Evans is one of both service and controversy — a narrative that reflects the challenges of balancing faith, leadership, and accountability within modern religious institutions.
