Partner of British archbishop concealed for extended period.
In a groundbreaking moment for the Church in Wales and the broader Anglican Communion, Cherry Vann has been appointed as the first openly lesbian Archbishop of Wales. This historic milestone marks a significant step towards inclusion and representation within the global Anglican community.
Elected on June 30, 2025, Vann becomes the 15th Archbishop of Wales, standing out as a pioneering figure promoting diversity in church leadership. Her journey is noteworthy, having been ordained as a deacon in the Church of England in 1989, a time when women were yet to be permitted to become priests. This early career move underscores Vann's role in advancing gender equality alongside LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church.
Vann's appointment holds importance not only within Wales and the UK but also in the wider Anglican Communion, where the acceptance of same-sex relationships among its highest-ranking leaders has traditionally been contested. This shift towards greater acceptance and pastoral openness is a significant signal of change.
Since joining the Church in Wales in 2020, Vann has been an active and visible presence. She has been in a relationship with Wendy Diamond for 30 years, a fact she kept hidden during her time in the Church of England due to fear of being outed in a newspaper. However, Vann revealed these details in an interview with the British "Guardian", noting that while sexuality can be hidden to a certain extent, being a woman cannot.
Vann's appointment as the first woman to hold the position of Archbishop of Wales is equally historic. She was among the first women to be ordained as priests in the Church of England in 1994. During her time in the Church of England, Vann faced many unpleasant comments and anger from men due to being a woman.
It is worth noting that the Church of England and the Church in Wales are both part of the Anglican Communion. The Church in Wales permits same-sex partnerships without the requirement of celibacy, a policy that has been instrumental in Vann's openness about her relationship with Wendy Diamond.
The news of Vann's ordination history was reported by the news agency PA, and the details of her relationship with Wendy Diamond were also revealed in the same interview with the British "Guardian". Wendy Diamond is now visible, and it's normal for her to be present during services led by Vann.
Vann's appointment as Archbishop of Wales has made history, not only within the Anglican Communion but also in the broader religious landscape. Her journey serves as a testament to the progress made in the church towards greater inclusion and representation.
- Cherry Vann's rise to become the first openly lesbian Archbishop of Wales signifies a pivotal moment in science (discovery, breakthrough) and general-news (current events, announcements).
- Vann's appointment underscores the importance of health-and-wellness (mental health, personal well-being), particularly in relation to sexual-health and women's-health, as she's been open about her long-term relationship with Wendy Diamond.
- As an influential figure, Vann's leadership in the church will have an impact on lifestyle (personal choices, habits) and fashion-and-beauty (personal appearance, trends) - her visible partner Wendy Diamond being a part of her public life.
- Family-dynamics and relationships (marriage, friendships) are also affected by Vann's appointment, as it paves the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in religious communities.
- The political landscape (policy-and-legislation, politics) may also be influenced by Vann's journey, as her appointment reflects a shift towards more inclusive policies within the Anglican Communion and the broader church.
- The news of Vann's ordination and relationship has generated discussion around migration, war-and-conflicts, and love-and-dating (relationships, companionship) - as people ponder the implications of her story for marginalized communities around the world.
- Overall, Cherry Vann's rise to Archbishop of Wales serves as a beacon of hope for those championing equality, representation, and diversity across various spheres of life.
