Wales: Cathedral archdeacon to investigate allegations of homophobic bullying in ‘spoof script’

The Archdeacon of Llandaff said she is investigating allegations of homophobia after a gay former choir member claimed he was the target of anti-gay bullying by his former colleagues, who put together a spoof script making implicit references and innuendos to his sexuality.

Last week, Dr Adam Poole, who left the choir earlier this year, said he was upset and saddened when he recently found out about the script, which was written back in September.

In a letter to Dr Poole, Archdeacon Peggy Jackson, who is currently responsible for Llandaff Cathedral, said she would look into his complaint.

Titled “Landaft,” the spoof poked fun at an incident involving three members of the choir, including Dr Poole, who complained about the offered rate of pay for appearing on BBC’s Songs of Praise programme.

The script goes on to reference a mock charity called Action Against Rogue Singers (AARS), and makes references appearing to mock individuals presumed to be gay.

According to those responsible for the script, “allegations of sexual stereotyping are nonsensical as the writer targeted celebrities for their physical resemblances to members of the Cathedral.”

But Dr Poole said: “Only one person was labelled as a ‘fool’ and ‘aars’ and then stereotyped – that person was me.”

In a statement responding to Dr Poole’s allegations, The Church in Wales said: “Llandaff Cathedral has policies in place to deal with disciplinary and grievance procedures and cannot comment on specific cases as clearly they are confidential.

“The Dean and Chapter are responsible for the running of the Cathedral, not the Archbishop of Wales, nor the other Welsh bishops.”

• Nov 29 2023

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