The Most Reverend Cherry Vann, the Archbishop of Wales, has revealed that some parishioners have chosen to leave the Church in Wales due to her identity as a gay woman. This announcement comes as she prepares to deliver her first Christmas message in her new role. Vann made history in July 2023 by becoming both the first female Archbishop in the UK and the first openly gay Archbishop globally.
Speaking with BBC Wales, Archbishop Vann expressed her disappointment over the backlash regarding her sexuality. She acknowledged that while some individuals struggle with the idea of women in leadership roles, differing opinions should still be respected. “There are still patches all over the place where people continue to struggle with women in leadership,” she stated, emphasizing the need for mutual respect within the church community.
The controversy surrounding her appointment has drawn criticism from the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), which described it as “another painful nail in the coffin of Anglican orthodoxy.” Despite the challenges, Vann noted that the majority of feedback she received has been supportive, although she has encountered hostility from some quarters.
“It can be very hurtful,” she remarked. “It’s hard to hear some of the things that people say, but I think it’s important that there is the space for them to say that.” Archbishop Vann highlighted the personal toll these comments take, stating, “It feels like an attack on who I am and who God has made me to be.”
In her role, Vann is committed to fostering inclusivity within the Church in Wales, particularly for the LGBT+ community. She is aware that some church members find this focus challenging, leading to decisions to leave the church. “Some, sadly, have felt the need to leave, and I take that very seriously,” she noted.
Following her election by fellow bishops with a two-thirds majority, Vann succeeded Andrew John, who retired amid concerns regarding safeguarding and other serious issues at Bangor Cathedral. Vann understands the weight of her responsibility and the cultural changes needed within the Church. “I think there is a big cultural issue in the Church,” she said. “Anyone who has tried to change the culture in an organization will tell you it takes a long time.”
In her Christmas message, Archbishop Vann chose a passage from the Gospel of John that speaks of finding light in darkness. She expressed the importance of this message, particularly in light of the current challenges faced by many. “Our message as Christians is that Jesus comes into all that difficulty and despair and brings the light of hope and love and joy,” she explained.
Reflecting on her election and its implications, Vann acknowledged the mixed reactions from the public. “Other people find it fascinating,” she said, noting that many have reached out to express their joy at her appointment as a woman and a civilly partnered individual. “I’ve had the opposite as well. That’s just life,” she added.
As she navigates her role, Archbishop Vann remains hopeful about the changes taking place within the Church. “We need to take greater care for those who have been damaged by the Church, of which sadly there are many,” she said. Her commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment demonstrates her determination to address the issues that led to her predecessor’s departure while also respecting the diverse views within her community.
