Cherry Vann Makes History as First Female and First Queer Archbishop of Wales

The Church in Wales reached a landmark moment on July 30, 2025, with the election of Bishop Cherry Vann as its Archbishop. Vann’s appointment is not only a first for Wales but sets a precedent for the Anglican Communion across Britain, as she becomes the first woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ cleric to ascend to the role of Archbishop in the UK’s Anglican churches .

Vann, who has served as the Bishop of Monmouth since 2020, was elected by her peers on July 30, 2025. Her election comes after decades of progress in the Anglican Church, which historically restricted leadership positions to men and, more recently, to heterosexual clergy .

Archbishop Vann’s journey to this momentous occasion reflects her longstanding commitment both to faith and to equality. Ordained as a deacon in 1989, she was among the very first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994 . Before her tenure as Bishop of Monmouth, Vann served for 11 years as Archdeacon of Rochdale in the Diocese of Manchester, further cementing her reputation as a dedicated and compassionate leader .

Her election as Archbishop has been widely welcomed by faith leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates alike. As a Patron of the Open Table Network, an LGBTQ+ Christian charity, since 2020, Vann has championed initiatives supporting inclusive worship and pastoral care for LGBTQ+ people within the church .

The news of Vann’s appointment was met with enthusiastic support from across the LGBTQ+ faith community. Dr. Carol Joyner, Co-Chair of the Open Table Network, stated: “As a queer woman, I am thrilled and excited at the appointment of our patron, Bishop Cherry Vann, as Archbishop of the Church in Wales. Bishop Cherry will bring diversity, compassion, and energy to the role and we are grateful for her continuing support” .

Revd Rosemary Hill, trustee and leader within the Open Table community in East Cardiff, added: “Archbishop Cherry's appointment is a source of great joy and celebration. For LGBTQIA+ Welsh Anglicans, this is a momentous occasion that demonstrates how far the Church in Wales has come in terms of equality and inclusion in the last decade. These are turbulent times for the Church in Wales and we hold Archbishop Cherry and her civil partner Wendy in our prayers as they start this new chapter” .

Vann herself has spoken of the importance of “healing and reconciliation” in her new role, emphasizing that the church must continue to “reach out in love and compassion to all people, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background” .

Vann’s election marks a symbolic break with centuries-old traditions, signaling the Church in Wales’ commitment to greater inclusion. The move is especially significant for LGBTQ+ Christians, many of whom have long sought full representation and affirmation within their faith communities .

The appointment comes at a time when LGBTQ+ inclusion remains a subject of debate and sometimes division within global Anglicanism. While some provinces have moved toward greater acceptance and affirmation, others maintain more conservative positions. Within this context, Vann’s leadership is expected to inspire further conversations on the role of LGBTQ+ people in church leadership and the importance of affirming all identities within religious spaces .

As Archbishop, Vann will oversee the Church in Wales’ six dioceses and serve as a prominent voice in both national and international faith forums. Her appointment is being celebrated as a beacon of hope for all who seek a church that reflects the diversity and dignity of its members.

For LGBTQ+ people of faith, and their allies, Vann’s historic leadership sends a clear message: there is a place for everyone in the life of the church, and progress toward full equality is not only possible but already underway.