Church in Wales’ first female archbishop seeks ‘unity’

The first female Archbishop of Wales has called for “unity” and said that the global Anglican Church should not “be divided” by her selection to the role.

Elected in July, Cherry Vann, who is also the Bishop of Monmouth, became the first female leader of the Church in Wales, as well as its first in a same-sex relationship, attracting some criticism from some conservative voices.

But addressing such comments publicly, The Most Reverend Vann said it was “the right role for me at this time, for the church and for Wales”.

Her enthronement ceremony takes place at Newport Cathedral on Saturday.

Originally from Leicestershire, The Most Reverend Vann has been Bishop of Monmouth since January 2020.

Before serving in Monmouth – a role she will continue while Archbishop of Wales – she spent 11 years as Archdeacon of Rochdale in the Diocese of Manchester.

She was among the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994.

The Most Reverend Vann said Saturday’s enthronement ceremony would be a “momentous occasion for me and for the country of Wales, the Church in Wales, and the wider Anglican Communion”.

“Clearly, there are people who are rejoicing that we have a woman archbishop in Wales and an archbishop who is a member of the LGBT+ community and living in a civil partnership.”

Addressing those who had been “less supportive”, she said she had taken on the role “because this is what God has called me to do”.

“And I think the reason that I was elected to this role is because people in the wider church in Wales feel the same,” she added.

Her appointment follows the retirement of former Archbishop Andrew John which came after the publication of two reports highlighting safeguarding concerns and misbehaviour at Bangor Cathedral in Gwynedd.

The Most Reverend Vann said they had contributed to a “turbulent time” for the church, although the focus was now on “healing and reconciliation”.