BishopAccountability.org
	Church Gives Sex-scandal Vicar Top Job By Darren Devine Wales Online August 1, 2010 http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/08/01/church-gives-sex-scandal-vicar-top-job-91466-26971224/ A VICAR once caught touting for sex at a gay pick-up point has been promoted by the Church in Wales. The Reverend Andrew Jones admitted luring an undercover policeman into bushes while on his way home from the theology college where he worked as a chaplain and lecturer on the teachings of the Bible. He was cycling back from the college – St Michael’s at Llandaff, Cardiff – when he enticed the officer into a clump of bushes near a disused riding stables in a park. The clergyman admitted in court he was ‘importuning for immoral purposes’ – gay cruising – and was given a 12-month conditional discharge. But 16 years after his conviction, he has now been promoted from his job as vicar of Llanbedrog, in Pwllheli, to one of the most senior church positions in North Wales, Archdeacon of Meirionnydd. The churchman, who is due to take up the post in September after being appointed by Bishop of Bangor, Andrew John, refused to comment about his past when contacted by Wales on Sunday. The 49-year-old divorced cleric said: “I don’t want to speak about that. No comment. You can speak to the press office at the Church in Wales.” But the appointment was greeted with bemusement by some within the Church – one insider, who did not wish to be named, said they “winced” at the news. They said: “I’m surprised by the appointment and although we believe in redemption and a new start, I wonder whether this appointment would be wholly appropriate.” Archdeacons often have around 30 clerics beneath them, including vicars, curates and chaplains. The clerics, who occupy the tier below bishops and deans of cathedrals in the Church’s structure, are responsible for the day-to-day spade work delegated by bishops. Rev Jones, whose new job gives him oversight of a large area from the Llyn Peninsula, in Gwynedd, down to Machynlleth and Llanidloes, in Powys, became vicar of Llanbedrog around two months after his conviction. Bishop John defended the most recent appointment, saying the Rev Jones has been an “outstanding parish priest for nearly 15 years”. He said: “In this time he has been a devoted priest to locals and diocese alike. He has attracted respect for his honesty, warmth and openness. He is a person of deep faith and integrity and has my wholehearted and unreserved support. “He regrets his behaviour which led to the offence and conditional discharge 16 years ago and the diocese has always been fully aware of it.”
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