Revd Manon Ceridwen! From Dean of Bangor Cathedral to Bishop of Bangor.

On a surprising note, after the Electoral College met on Tuesday, the announcement was made on Wednesday. Following two reports that documented concerns about “weak financial controls” and “inappropriate behaviors,” the former Bishop of Bangor, the Rt Revd Andrew John, retired in August 2025′.

With an apology for his role in the shortcomings at Bangor Cathedral (News, June 27, 2025). A “change in leadership, procedures, and governance in the Diocese of Bangor” was then demanded by the Representative Body (News, July 4, 2025).

In order to promote reform and provide a “healing presence,” the Governing Body of the Church in Wales chose to appoint an Interim Bishop for a maximum of two years after the Electoral College in Bangor declined to shortlist any candidates for a new Bishop of Bangor last year (News, November 28, 2025). However, it was revealed in February that no appointment had been made as a result of the interviews (News, 27 February).

The urgent appointment of a new Dean was one of the suggestions made in the cathedral’s Visitation report, which was released last year. In July 2025, Dr. James, a Canon Theologian at Newport Cathedral, was appointed Dean of Bangor (News, July 18, 2025).

”Since the Very Revd Kathy Jones’ departure in 2021, Bangor Cathedral had been without a dean when she was appointed. After being appointed Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer by Archbishop John in 2021, the Rev. Siôn Rhys Evans ceased serving at the cathedral in March 2024 and departed in December of the same year.

The newly appointed Dr. James was “committed to patient listening and reconciliation,” according to a statement from the Bangor Chapter last year, following issues with governance and finance that included reports of serious incidents to the Charity Commission and a protest by the choir (News, September 12, 2025).

When she was appointed, she stated, “The people of Bangor, as well as the people of the diocese who look to the cathedral as a mother church, deserve a cathedral that embodies all that is good about the city and the diocese” (News, July 18, 2025).

“Dr. James received his training at Cambridge’s Ridley Hall and was ordained as a deacon in the Bangor diocese. In 1997, she became one of the first female priests in the diocese. In addition to holding a number of diocesan positions in training, education, and vocations, including director of ministry, she has worked as a parish priest in the dioceses of Bangor and St Asaph.

She attended the University of South Wales, Pontypridd to pursue a humanities degree prior to ordination. In 2008, she received a Ph.D. from Chester University after completing a postgraduate certificate in adult education and theological reflection. A D. 2015 at Birmingham University.

“She is the author of two books, Notes from a Eucharistic Life (Features, November 29, 2024), and Women, Identity and Religion in Wales: Theology, poetry, story (Books, September 21, 2018). She has written chapters for a number of scholarly books on subjects like theology, Welsh identity, domestic abuse, and women’s faith.

“She has published content for school assemblies and contributes to the SPCK website assemblies . org . uk. Additionally, Dr. James regularly contributes to BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. She spends her free time with her husband, Dylan, the Group Financial Controller at Bangor University, going to football games and comedy shows.

“Manon is well-known to the people of the diocese and she will be a huge asset to the diocese, the Province, and the Bench of Bishops,” stated the Most Revd. Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, following the election. We are thrilled that she was elected and wish her the best of luck as she begins her ministry.

“The bishop-elect has up to 28 days to accept the position after this election. In the event that they agree, the election is formally approved at a sacred synod meeting of the bishops, which is followed by the enthronement and consecration.