Installation of the new Dean of Bangor

The Very Revd Manon Ceridwen James will be installed as Dean of Bangor at a service in Bangor Cathedral on Saturday 11 October at 2.00pm.

Manon 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.”

Manon, who grew up in Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula, was previously Dean for Initial Ministerial Training at the St Padarn’s Institute. Manon has a close relationship with Bangor Cathedral, having been ordained Deacon there in 1994 and priest in 1997.

Manon has a wealth of experience in leadership and ministry in a Welsh context, having been involved with training for ministry in the Church in Wales since 2005. Manon 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, Manon says, “I am honoured 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.”

The Archbishop of Wales Cherry Vann will preside at the service.

Archbishop Cherry says, “It is a joy to be welcoming 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.”