On July 30, 2025, the Church in Wales made a groundbreaking announcement, electing the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as its new Archbishop. This historic moment marks Vann as the United Kingdom’s first female and openly lesbian cleric to ascend to such a senior role within the Anglican Church.
Her appointment as the 15th Archbishop of Wales is a bold step forward, breaking centuries of tradition and signaling a progressive shift in an institution grappling with issues of inclusivity, trust, and relevance in modern society. As the global Anglican Communion remains divided on matters of gender and sexuality, Vann’s election is both a beacon of hope for advocates of change and a point of contention for traditionalists.
Who Is Cherry Vann?
Cherry Vann, born in 1958 in Leicestershire, England, is a seasoned cleric whose journey to becoming the Archbishop of Wales reflects a life dedicated to faith, service, and quiet resilience. Ordained as a deaconess in 1987 and later as a priest in 1994, Vann’s career within the Church of England and the Church in Wales spans over three decades. Before her historic election, she served as the Bishop of Monmouth since 2020, earning respect for her pastoral care and leadership in one of Wales’ six dioceses.
Vann’s early life was shaped by her passion for music, which led her to study the piano and become an accomplished musician. She worked as a music teacher before discerning a call to ministry, a path that was far from straightforward for women in the Anglican Church during the late 20th century.
Her theological training took place at Westcott House, Cambridge, a liberal Anglo-Catholic institution known for nurturing progressive clergy. Over the years, Vann held various roles, including as an archdeacon in the Diocese of Rochdale and as a suffragan bishop, gaining a reputation for her warmth, accessibility, and commitment to community engagement.
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As an openly lesbian cleric, Vann has lived with her partner, Wendy, for many years, a relationship that has been acknowledged with grace and discretion within church circles. Her personal life, while private, became a focal point during her election, as her appointment challenges the Anglican Church’s historically conservative stance on same-sex relationships.
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Vann’s ability to navigate these complexities with humility and conviction has made her a respected figure among colleagues and congregations alike. Her election as Archbishop, decided by the Electoral College of the Church in Wales, reflects not only her qualifications but also the church’s readiness to embrace diversity at its highest levels.
The Significance of Her Appointment
Cherry Vann’s election as the first female and LGBTQ+ Archbishop in the UK is a watershed moment for the Anglican Church, particularly the Church in Wales, which operates independently from the Church of England but remains part of the global Anglican Communion. Her appointment comes at a time when the church is striving to align itself with contemporary values of equality and inclusion, while still maintaining its theological and historical roots.
For women in the church, Vann’s rise to Archbishop is a powerful symbol of progress. The Church in Wales has allowed women to be ordained as priests since 1997 and as bishops since 2013, but the glass ceiling of the archiepiscopal role remained unbroken until now. Vann’s election builds on the legacy of other trailblazing women, such as Joanna Penberthy, the first female Bishop of St Davids, and underscores the gradual dismantling of patriarchal structures within the church.
Equally significant is Vann’s identity as an openly lesbian cleric. The Anglican Communion has long been fractured over issues of sexuality, with some provinces, particularly in Africa and Asia, maintaining staunch opposition to same-sex relationships. In contrast, the Church in Wales has taken steps toward greater inclusivity, permitting clergy to enter same-sex civil partnerships and, more recently, allowing blessings for same-sex couples.
Vann’s appointment sends a clear message: the church is willing to elevate leaders who embody the diversity of its members, even if doing so risks tension with more conservative factions of the Communion. Her election also resonates beyond the church, reflecting broader societal shifts in the UK, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2014 and public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights have become increasingly supportive.
For many, Vann’s role as Archbishop is a sign that religious institutions can evolve, offering hope to those who have felt marginalized by faith communities. However, it also places her under intense scrutiny, as she navigates the delicate balance between advocating for inclusion and maintaining unity within a diverse church.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann steps into a role fraught with both challenges and opportunities. Leading a church of six dioceses and over 1,000 parishes, she is tasked with guiding the Church in Wales through a period of declining attendance, financial strain, and ongoing debates about its place in modern society. Her leadership will be tested as she addresses these issues while carrying the weight of her historic appointment.
One of the primary challenges Vann faces is the Anglican Communion’s ongoing division over sexuality. While the Church in Wales has embraced progressive policies, some provinces within the Communion, such as the Church of Nigeria and the Church of Uganda, have threatened to break ties with churches that support same-sex relationships.
As Archbishop, Vann will represent Wales at international Anglican gatherings, such as the Lambeth Conference, where she may encounter resistance from conservative leaders. Her ability to foster dialogue and build bridges will be crucial in maintaining the Communion’s fragile unity.
Closer to home, Vann must address the Church in Wales’ internal dynamics. While her election was met with widespread support, some traditionalists within the church may question her leadership, particularly on theological grounds. Additionally, recent controversies, such as allegations of bullying and mismanagement in the Welsh church, have eroded public trust. Vann’s pastoral experience and reputation for empathy position her well to rebuild confidence, but doing so will require transparency and decisive action.
Despite these challenges, Vann’s appointment offers significant opportunities. Her visibility as a female and LGBTQ+ leader can inspire younger generations and attract those who have felt alienated by the church. By championing initiatives that promote inclusivity, such as youth outreach and community programs, she can help revitalize the Church in Wales. Her background in music and education also equips her to explore creative ways of engaging congregations, perhaps through arts-based worship or interfaith collaborations.
Moreover, Vann’s leadership comes at a time when the Church in Wales is exploring new models of ministry, such as lay-led services and digital worship, to adapt to changing demographics. Her willingness to embrace innovation could help the church remain relevant in a secularizing society. By drawing on her experience as Bishop of Monmouth, where she oversaw rural and urban parishes, Vann can tailor strategies to meet the diverse needs of Welsh communities.
In her first address as Archbishop-elect, Vann emphasized her commitment to “listening, loving, and leading with courage.” These words encapsulate her approach to the role: one that prioritizes understanding, compassion, and bold decision-making. As she prepares to be installed in September 2025, her tenure promises to be a defining chapter in the Church in Wales’ history.
Cherry Vann’s election as the UK’s first female and LGBTQ+ Archbishop is a testament to the Church in Wales’ willingness to embrace change, even in the face of uncertainty. Her journey from a music teacher to a trailblazing cleric reflects a life of service and resilience, qualities that will guide her as she leads the church into a new era. While challenges lie ahead, Vann’s appointment offers a vision of hope, where faith and inclusivity can coexist. As she takes on this historic role, the world will be watching, eager to see how she shapes the future of the Anglican Church in Wales and beyond.