First LGBT Archbishopess Elected in Anglican Church

CARDIFF — On July 30, 2025, Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, was elected as the new Archbishop of Wales, marking a historic moment as the first woman and openly LGBT cleric to lead an Anglican diocese in the UK.

The 66-year-old archbishop expressed her gratitude, saying: "I am profoundly honored and humbled by this election. It represents not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the Church’s progress in breaking down barriers, with a call to continue this vital work."

Vann secured her position with a two-thirds majority vote from the electoral college on the second day of their meeting at the Church and St. Pierre Hotel in Chepstow. She succeeds Bishop Andrew John, who retired in July, becoming the 15th Archbishop of Wales.

The election follows controversy surrounding the previous archbishop’s resignation, prompted by reports exposing a culture of excessive drinking, bullying, and sexual harassment at Bangor Cathedral.

Addressing these concerns, Vann pledged: "My immediate priority is to thoroughly address the issues highlighted in recent months."

Ordained as a deacon in 1989 and as one of the first female priests in the Church of England in 1994, Vann previously served as Archdeacon of Rochdale in the Diocese of Manchester for 11 years before her consecration as Bishop of Monmouth in 2020.

According to her biography, Vann resides with her civil partner, Wendy, and their two dogs. While the Church in Wales does not permit same-sex marriages, it allows clergy to enter civil partnerships.

Since 2021, Vann has supported the Open Table Network, an ecumenical Christian community for LGBT individuals and their partners, as a patron.

The Anglican Church has also recently approved blessings for same-sex couples.

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