THE director of music at Bangor Cathedral, Joe Cooper, has been dismissed with immediate effect, the Dean and Chapter of Bangor Cathedral announced on Thursday.
The decision followed a “thorough disciplinary process, including investigation into serious breaches of confidentiality and data protection obligations during the redundancy process, as well as actions during the service of worship on August 31st”, the statement said.
“The Chapter recognises Joe’s significant contribution to the music and life of the Cathedral, especially in the creation and performance of choral works in the Welsh language and in the high musical standards achieved by the choir during his tenure.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to nurturing the cathedral’s rich musical and choral tradition and will take time to consider the best way forward for our music ministry. We thank Joe for his service and wish him well for the future.”
In September, the Chapter confirmed that all activity of the choir had been suspended for one month, after a protest on 31 August in which a “Canticle of Indignation” was sung during the 11 a.m. choral eucharist. The choir had walked out after the anthem as an act of protest against proposed redundancies (News, 5 September).
Five out of eight non-clergy posts at the cathedral, including two of the three lay clerks, were at risk of being made redundant or discontinued, owing to “a significant shortfall between expenditure and income”, the Chapter said in September. Mr Cooper’s hours were also due to be reduced.
Last week, Mr Cooper told the BBC that there had been an “apparent reluctance” by the cathedral to work with him to find a solution to budgetary problems, which had “left me with no option but to speak publicly”. He said: “We were able to raise a significant amount of money to allow the cathedral to avoid some of the job losses as a direct consequence of my actions.”
