Anthony Pierce, the former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, has pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a male child under the age of 16. The offenses occurred between 1985 and 1990 when Pierce was serving as a parish priest in West Cross, Swansea. The Church in Wales has expressed its “deepest sympathy” with the victim and has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Pierce following his admission of guilt. Pierce is currently remanded on bail, with sentencing scheduled for March 7 at Swansea Crown Court.
The allegations came to light in 2023 when the survivor disclosed the abuse to the Church’s safeguarding officer, prompting an immediate referral to the police. The Church in Wales has stated that it is “appalled” by the offenses and is committed to reviewing its safeguarding procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Right Reverend John Lomas, the current Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, described the case as “deeply shocking” and emphasized that there is “no place for any form of abuse in the Church in Wales.” The Diocese has pledged to continue its efforts to ensure the protection and care of children and vulnerable individuals within its communities.
This case adds to a series of similar incidents involving clergy members in the UK. In 2024, Timothy Biles, a retired priest, was sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting boys in the 1960s. Biles was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault at Bournemouth Crown Court, with the offenses taking place at St Francis School in Hooke, Dorset. The Crown Prosecution Service described Biles as having “exploited his position within the clergy in the worst possible way”
These cases have prompted renewed calls for greater accountability and transparency within religious institutions regarding allegations of abuse. Advocacy groups continue to urge for comprehensive reviews of safeguarding policies and practices to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals under the care of religious organizations.
