A choir at a scandal-hit cathedral sang an “inappropriate” song and walked out of a service in a protest over potential lay-offs.

The activities of the Bangor Cathedral choir have been suspended for an initial period of one month following the protest during a communion service.

In a statement on Sunday, the Chapter of 15 to 18 priests and lay people who are responsible for running the Cathedral said the choir sang a piece at a communion service on 31 August “which was completely inappropriate” and then left the service.

This comes after the cathedral, which has been through a turbulent period, announced it was considering laying off two thirds of its workforce.

In response to the protest the Chapter said it was suspending the choir’s activities “in order to review what happened and consider the next steps”.

In the statement it say this would be an opportunity “to maintain a dialogue between the Chapter and the choir”.

The statement also noted Joe Cooper, the music director, was currently away from his duties.

The Telegraph reported lyrics from the canticle, written by Simon Ogdon, a chorister, included “Lord, how long shall the ungodly triumph?” and “how long shall all wicked doers speak so disdainfully?”

Speaking on Radio Cymru, John Roberts, one of the presenters of the religious affairs Bwrw Golwg programme said: “According to what I’ve heard, some of the audience were also disappointed.

“Especially as they did that [the protest] during a very important devotional part of the liturgy.”

The cathedral is facing financial challenges and expects to make a loss of £300,000 by the end of this year alone.

It also said 66% of the cathedral’s annual expenditure went on lay staff.

“Bangor Cathedral is experiencing a significant shortfall between expenditure and income” which could “put significant pressure on our reserves,” the statement added.

It added the situation could be restored but only by “urgent action”.

Due to the financial challenges it was considering “changes to our staffing structure”.

“Any additional expenditure since 2021 had been authorized by the Chapter,” said Mr Roberts.

“They are responsible for managing the cathedral’s money, so the very people who authorized that spending now call it overspending.

“I’m not sure how they justify avoiding their responsibility.”

In the statement the Chapter said it had “started a consultation process on possible redundancies”.

“We are determined that any consultation with staff members will be fair, dignified, confidential and in accordance with the best practices within human resources.”

This week the new dean of the cathedral, Dr Manon Ceridwen James, will start her post.