A Vicar’s Misconduct and the Consequences
A vicar from Cardiff has been found guilty of misusing church funds and violating safeguarding rules, according to a Church in Wales tribunal. Ryan Forey, 35, was accused of claiming thousands of pounds for himself and his wife for work that was never performed. He also set up a “breakaway” church without proper authorization, which led to disciplinary action.
Forey was overseeing Citizen Church in the city when the allegations surfaced. The tribunal found that he had paid himself £300 per month for services not rendered and arranged for his wife to receive £500 monthly as a clergy spouse allowance between October 2020 and February 2024. These payments were deemed illegitimate by the tribunal.
In addition to financial misconduct, Forey created an app that displayed the names of children attending his church, including those in care. This violated safeguarding protocols. Despite being warned about the risks, he refused to remove the app, further compounding the issues.
The tribunal also noted that Forey established a separate church called Be Church in Cardiff, operating outside the framework of the Church in Wales without consent. While he admitted to the charges, he claimed he had a “genuine, albeit misguided belief” that such practices were acceptable, having seen similar actions in previous churches.
Forey resigned from the Church in Wales in April 2024. He accepted responsibility for his actions and expressed regret for the mistakes he made. In a statement, he acknowledged the pain of the situation and emphasized that he had learned valuable lessons through the experience.
Challenges and Lack of Support
The tribunal highlighted that Forey did not receive adequate support or supervision during his time at Citizen Church. He was placed into an incumbency-level post immediately after training, missing out on the structured support typically provided during a curacy. The pandemic further limited opportunities for oversight and mentoring, contributing to the lack of guidance he received.
Despite these challenges, the tribunal found that Forey should have recognized the potential damage his actions could cause to the Church in Wales. It concluded that the absence of appropriate support significantly contributed to the issues but did not excuse his behavior.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Forey was issued a “monition,” a formal warning. This means he cannot hold a relevant post until he completes safeguarding training and undergoes supervision for two years.
Broader Implications for the Church in Wales
The tribunal’s findings come amid a period of turmoil for the Church in Wales. Earlier this year, the Archbishop of Wales retired following reports of alleged financial mismanagement and safeguarding issues at Bangor Cathedral. However, there was no indication that the archbishop had acted inappropriately.
Forey shared his perspective on social media, stating that his family endured “gossip, rumours, and online trolling.” He reflected on the growth of Citizen Church, acknowledging that it “grew big, we grew fast, we got things wrong and we grew through that.”
He emphasized that he made mistakes and took full responsibility for them, vowing to learn from the experience. After 20 months away from ministry, he and his family are now ready to return to England and continue sharing their faith.
The Church in Wales has chosen not to comment on the matter, focusing instead on addressing broader concerns within its structure. Recent reports have called for investigations into diocesan practices and highlighted ongoing challenges within certain congregations.
This case underscores the importance of accountability, proper supervision, and adherence to safeguarding protocols in religious institutions. It serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can lead to significant consequences if not managed with care and oversight.
