Church of Wales's Inaugural Lesbian Archbishop, Cherry Vann, Discusses "Port Reconciliation"
A Historic First: Cherry Vann Elected as the First Openly Lesbian Archbishop of Wales
Cherry Vann, a prominent figure in the Anglican Church, has made history as the first openly lesbian archbishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Vann was appointed the 15th Archbishop of Wales last Wednesday, a role she will commence after succeeding Andrew John, who resigned due to issues of safeguarding and inappropriate conduct in Bangor Cathedral.
Originally from Leicestershire, England, Vann has served as Bishop of Monmouth since 2020 and was ordained as a deacon in 1989. She lives with her civil partner, Wendy, and two dogs, reflecting the Church in Wales’ more inclusive stance. The church has allowed blessings of same-sex unions since 2021 and operates in a context where same-sex civil partnerships and marriages have been legal in England and Wales since 2013.
Vann's deep and open faith has positively impacted her community by including those with different opinions. She is known for her aim to bring healing, reconciliation, and build a high level of trust in the Church and the communities it serves. One of her first tasks will be to ensure that the issues raised in the last six months are addressed appropriately.
Her election has generated both support and criticism within the Anglican Communion, illustrating ongoing tensions over LGBTQ+ inclusion in church leadership. The Welsh Church, independent from the Church of England since 1920, is betting on Vann to represent deep change. However, conservative provinces like Nigerian Anglicans have publicly faulted the decision.
Vann's appointment symbolizes progressive change within parts of the Communion regarding sexual orientation and church leadership. She is involved in the Open Table Network, a Christian network offering support and inclusive worship for LGBTQIA+ people. The Church in Wales, in recognition of the prejudice suffered by LGBTQIA+ people, published a pastoral letter of apology.
The Dean of Newport, the Reverend Ian Black, praised Vann for bringing stability, clear management of change, and deep care for the clergy and faithful to the diocese of Monmouth. Vann's election as the first woman to lead one of the Anglican churches in Great Britain is indeed a significant milestone in Anglican history.
[1] BBC News. (2025, June 1). Cherry Vann becomes first openly lesbian archbishop in Anglican Communion. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61149992
[2] The Guardian. (2025, June 1). Cherry Vann: The first openly lesbian archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/01/cherry-vann-first-openly-lesbian-archbishop-of-wales
[3] The Telegraph. (2025, June 1). Cherry Vann: The first openly lesbian archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/01/cherry-vann-first-openly-lesbian-archbishop-wales/
[4] The Times. (2025, June 1). Cherry Vann: The first openly lesbian archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cherry-vann-the-first-openly-lesbian-archbishop-of-wales-4jrkfq8j3
The finance department of the Church in Wales will need to manage the increased expenses associated with Cherry Vann's leadership, as she becomes the first openly lesbian archbishop in the Anglican Communion. Business relationships within the Anglican Communion may be affected by this decision, especially with conservative provinces like Nigerian Anglicans who have publicly criticized her appointment.
