The Most Rev Cherry Vann, recently appointed Archbishop of Wales, has shared her journey of rising through the Anglican Church while keeping her sexuality hidden for years a struggle she says shaped her into the leader she is today.
In a candid interview with The Guardian, the 66-year-old, who now holds the historic distinction of being the UK’s first female archbishop and the first openly gay bishop to lead a province in the Anglican Communion, said the Church will eventually have to accept same-sex marriage within its walls.
“Gay marriage in church is inevitable,” she said, though she noted that timing remains uncertain due to strong opposition from some quarters.
Vann was one of the first women ordained in the Church of England in 1994. Her earlier years were marked by tension between her public ministry and private identity especially in a church where same-sex relationships were tolerated only under strict celibacy rules.
By contrast, her experience in the Church in Wales, which she joined in 2020 as Bishop of Monmouth, has been much more open and affirming. Clergy in same-sex civil partnerships are welcomed, and her long-term partner, Wendy Diamond, is now a visible part of her public and church life.
Looking back, Vann admitted she once feared being exposed by the press. “There were times I worried about waking up and finding our relationship splashed across the headlines. Now Wendy is part of everything I do it’s just normal.”
Still, Vann described her path as filled with obstacles, not just because of her sexuality, but as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated church. “You can hide your sexuality up to a point but you can’t hide being a woman,” she said, recalling hostility from male clergy when women were first ordained.
Despite years of resistance, Vann sees hope in building unity. “We can disagree sharply and still love each other in Christ,” she said, expressing optimism for reconciliation even on divisive issues like sexuality.
While she personally doesn’t feel the need to have a church wedding having shared 30 years and private vows with her partner she believes the Church must eventually recognize and bless same-sex unions.
“As a leader, I have to respect those who are opposed. Their beliefs are theologically grounded,” she said. “But change will come it’s just a matter of when.”
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