The newly appointed Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann, has spoken publicly about the decades she spent hiding her relationship with her partner, Wendy, due to the Church’s historical stance on same-sex relationships.
In an interview with The Times, Vann, now 66, described how in her early years of ministry, Wendy would “hide upstairs” whenever visitors came to their home, fearful that their relationship could lead to disciplinary action or jeopardise her clerical career. This secrecy, she explained, was not only emotionally exhausting but also a stark reminder of how unwelcoming the Church could be toward LGBTQ+ clergy.
“We had to live two lives. In public, I was the priest. In private, I was simply Cherry — with the woman I loved. But it was never safe to be both at the same time.”
Cherry Vann’s elevation to Archbishop in January 2025 marked two historic firsts: she is the first woman and the first openly gay person to hold the post in the Church in Wales. Previously, she served as the Bishop of Monmouth after a long career in the Diocese of Manchester, where she was ordained in 1992 — just months before the Church of England first allowed women to be priests. Her appointment was met with applause from progressive Christian groups, LGBTQ+ rights advocates, and many parishioners across Wales who see her leadership as symbolic of a more inclusive future for the Church.
However, Vann’s new role has also provoked backlash from conservative voices within the global Anglican Communion, some of whom have refused to recognise her appointment. Leaders in parts of Africa and Asia — where same-sex relationships are still criminalised — have voiced strong opposition. Despite this, she has pledged to lead with compassion, listen to those who disagree with her, and focus on creating a Church that welcomes all people without exception.
“I understand that for some, my appointment is challenging. But the Gospel message is about love, acceptance, and community — and that is the heart of my ministry,” she said during her installation sermon at Llandaff Cathedral.
Vann’s priorities as Archbishop include increasing the Church’s engagement with marginalised communities, addressing the decline in church attendance, and promoting equality both within the clergy and in the wider congregation. She has also expressed a commitment to working alongside LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to ensure that people of all sexual orientations and gender identities feel safe and valued within the Church.
For many, her appointment is more than a personal achievement — it’s a visible signal that centuries-old institutions can evolve. As she begins her tenure, Vann is both a symbol of change and a reminder that progress often comes after years of quiet endurance.