A statement by the Dean of Brecon and Bishop John Lomas
The news of past incidents in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon and the Cathedral, has rightly been received with shock, anger, shame and a deep sense of betrayal.
Our first thoughts are for the victims and survivors of abuse, whose lives have been so deeply affected. We hold them in our prayers, and will continue to do so.
For any times that the Diocese of Swansea & Brecon and the Cathedral have failed, through negligence, inaction or any other cause, we offer our most profound apologies to all those who have suffered.
We are determined to address the issues that have been identified thoroughly, rigorously, and honestly, with the interests of victims and survivors at the front and centre of the process.
There is no place for abuse in the church. As we are now confronted by the grievous failings of the past, we are committed to ensuring that the church in future must be - as it should always be - a safe place for all.
The Very Reverend Dr Paul Shackerley
Dean of Brecon
The Right Reverend John Lomas
Bishop of Swansea and Brecon
Anybody with safeguarding concerns is able to contact a member of the safeguarding team via the Church in Wales website:
Web: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/safeguarding/reporting-safeguarding-concern/
Tel: 02920 348200
Alternatively, Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. You can contact the Safe Spaces team by:
Web: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email: safespaces@firstlight.org.uk