The Most Rev. Cherry Vann, the first openly lesbian archbishop in Christian history, says the backlash surrounding her election has been deeply painful, particularly as some members have left the church in protest. Vann, 67, who serves as Bishop of Monmouth, was elected last July as the 15th archbishop of the Church in Wales. In a recent BBC interview, she acknowledged the divisions created by her appointment while emphasizing the importance of allowing differing theological convictions within the Christian community.
Vann said she recognizes that some Anglicans continue to struggle with women in leadership and the church’s growing acceptance of LGBT+ people. Although the Church in Wales has worked to become more welcoming to LGBT+ individuals, she acknowledged that some members find these changes difficult and have decided to leave. Vann said she takes their concerns seriously and believes people should be able to express disagreement without feeling silenced.
Her election intensified longstanding divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality, biblical authority and church leadership. The Anglican Church of Nigeria formally severed ties with the Church in Wales following her appointment. The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans also strongly criticized the decision. Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council, described Vann’s election as “an act of apostasy,” arguing that the church’s acceptance of homosexuality represents a departure from biblical orthodoxy.
The controversy comes amid other significant changes in Anglican leadership. The Church of England has faced tensions surrounding the appointment of Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, who has also expressed support for homosexuality and is expected to be formally installed in 2026.
Vann, who lives with her civil partner, Wendy, said the opposition to her leadership has sometimes been hostile. She acknowledged that criticism of her views can feel like a personal attack on her identity and her understanding of how God made her. Nevertheless, she said she believes the church must preserve space for disagreement, even when members hold sharply contrasting views.
While Vann has faced considerable criticism, she has also received messages of support from people who view her election as a historic milestone for women and LGBT+ Christians. She said many have expressed joy and encouragement at seeing a woman, particularly one in a civil partnership, occupy the position.
Vann succeeded the Rt. Rev. Andrew John, who resigned in June following a safeguarding review at Bangor Cathedral that identified concerns about misconduct and blurred boundaries. Her appointment has become another focal point in the widening divisions within Anglicanism, highlighting the continuing struggle among Anglicans worldwide to reconcile competing convictions about sexuality, church leadership and biblical teaching.
