The Most Reverend Cherry Vann, the newly appointed Archbishop of Wales, revealed that some parishioners have left the Church in Wales due to her sexuality and gender identity. Vann, who made history in July 2023 as both the first female Archbishop in the UK and the first openly gay Archbishop globally, shared her experiences and challenges ahead of her inaugural Christmas message.
In an interview with BBC Wales, Archbishop Vann acknowledged the pain caused by negative reactions to her appointment. She emphasized the importance of allowing differing opinions to be expressed while also highlighting the church’s efforts to be inclusive. “The Church in Wales is working hard to welcome LGBT+ people, but also I respect that there are people in the Church in Wales who find that really difficult,” she stated.
Archbishop Vann’s election followed the retirement of her predecessor, Andrew John, amid controversies surrounding safeguarding issues and allegations of misconduct at Bangor Cathedral. She noted that while the majority of responses to her election have been supportive, a segment of the community has reacted with hostility.
“It can be very hurtful,” she admitted. “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.” Despite feeling attacked personally, she remains committed to fostering dialogue and mutual respect within the Church.
The significance of her position extends beyond her gender and sexuality. Archbishop Vann explained that while many find her election inspiring, she views other aspects of her role as more critical. “I’ve had a lot of people contact me rejoicing at my election and saying how much hope and strength they get from the fact that there is now a woman in the role,” she noted.
In her forthcoming Christmas message, Archbishop Vann chose a passage from the Gospel of John, emphasizing the theme of finding light amid darkness. “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 remarked.
Reflecting on the challenges facing the Church in Wales, particularly the cultural issues that contributed to her predecessor’s departure, Archbishop Vann expressed her determination to address these matters. “I think there is a big cultural issue in the Church,” she acknowledged. “Anybody who has tried to change the culture in an organization will tell you it takes a long time.”
Archbishop Vann is aware of her responsibility to promote a positive culture within the Church, stating, “We need to take greater care for those who have been damaged by the Church.” Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful about making lasting changes and fostering an environment where issues are addressed appropriately.
The Most Reverend Cherry Vann’s leadership marks a significant moment not only for the Church in Wales but also for the broader Anglican community. As she navigates the complexities of her role, her commitment to inclusivity and her focus on healing resonate with many, offering a path towards unity amid diversity.
