Historic Appointment: Cherry Vann Becomes First Female Archbishop of Wales
Published 30 July 2025
Highlights
- Cherry Vann has been elected as the first female Archbishop of Wales, marking a historic moment for the Church in Wales.
- Vann, who is also the first LGBTQ+ leader in this role, succeeds Andrew John, who resigned amid safeguarding scandals at Bangor Cathedral.
- The Church in Wales faces scrutiny following reports of excessive drinking and blurred sexual boundaries, prompting calls for improved governance.
- Vann, originally from Leicestershire, has served as Bishop of Monmouth since 2020 and was among the first women ordained in the Church of England.
- An implementation group and oversight board have been established to address the issues highlighted in the reports.
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Rewritten Article
Historic Appointment: Cherry Vann Becomes First Female Archbishop of Wales
In a landmark decision, Cherry Vann has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Wales, a significant step for the Church in Wales as it seeks to move beyond recent safeguarding controversies. Vann, who has served as the Bishop of Monmouth since 2020, was elected by a two-thirds majority of the Electoral College at St Pierre Church in Chepstow.
Breaking New Ground
Vann's election is not only historic due to her gender but also because she is the first openly LGBTQ+ leader in this role within the Church in Wales. Her appointment comes at a time when the church is grappling with the fallout from reports of misconduct at Bangor Cathedral, which led to the resignation of her predecessor, Andrew John, in June.
Addressing Past Scandals
The reports that precipitated John's resignation highlighted a culture of excessive alcohol consumption and blurred sexual boundaries at Bangor Cathedral. Although there is no suggestion of personal misconduct by John, he issued a public apology, acknowledging the failings under his leadership. The Church in Wales has since formed an implementation group and oversight board to address these issues.
A Leader with Vision
Vann, originally from Leicestershire, has a distinguished career in the church, having been one of the first women ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994. Her previous roles include serving as Archdeacon of Rochdale and holding senior governance positions within the Church of England. Known for her commitment to justice and reconciliation, Vann has pledged to restore trust and address the concerns raised in recent months.
Looking Forward
As the Church of England undergoes its own search for a new Archbishop of Canterbury, Vann's appointment is seen as a progressive move that could inspire similar changes. Some within the Church of England advocate for a female archbishop to signal a modern and inclusive direction, a sentiment echoed by Vann's supporters in Wales.
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Scenario Analysis
Cherry Vann's appointment as the first female Archbishop of Wales could set a precedent for other parts of the Anglican Communion, potentially influencing the ongoing selection process for the Archbishop of Canterbury. Her leadership may also prompt more inclusive policies within the church, particularly regarding gender and sexuality. As the Church in Wales implements recommendations to address past scandals, Vann's focus on reconciliation and justice will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring a safer environment for all members.
In a landmark decision, Cherry Vann has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Wales, a significant step for the Church in Wales as it seeks to move beyond recent safeguarding controversies. Vann, who has served as the Bishop of Monmouth since 2020, was elected by a two-thirds majority of the Electoral College at St Pierre Church in Chepstow.
Breaking New Ground
Vann's election is not only historic due to her gender but also because she is the first openly LGBTQ+ leader in this role within the Church in Wales. Her appointment comes at a time when the church is grappling with the fallout from reports of misconduct at Bangor Cathedral, which led to the resignation of her predecessor, Andrew John, in June.
Addressing Past Scandals
The reports that precipitated John's resignation highlighted a culture of excessive alcohol consumption and blurred sexual boundaries at Bangor Cathedral. Although there is no suggestion of personal misconduct by John, he issued a public apology, acknowledging the failings under his leadership. The Church in Wales has since formed an implementation group and oversight board to address these issues.
A Leader with Vision
Vann, originally from Leicestershire, has a distinguished career in the church, having been one of the first women ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994. Her previous roles include serving as Archdeacon of Rochdale and holding senior governance positions within the Church of England. Known for her commitment to justice and reconciliation, Vann has pledged to restore trust and address the concerns raised in recent months.
Looking Forward
As the Church of England undergoes its own search for a new Archbishop of Canterbury, Vann's appointment is seen as a progressive move that could inspire similar changes. Some within the Church of England advocate for a female archbishop to signal a modern and inclusive direction, a sentiment echoed by Vann's supporters in Wales.
What this might mean
Cherry Vann's appointment as the first female Archbishop of Wales could set a precedent for other parts of the Anglican Communion, potentially influencing the ongoing selection process for the Archbishop of Canterbury. Her leadership may also prompt more inclusive policies within the church, particularly regarding gender and sexuality. As the Church in Wales implements recommendations to address past scandals, Vann's focus on reconciliation and justice will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring a safer environment for all members.
