Long-standing secrecy unveiled: British archbishop concealed relationship companion for years
New Archbishop of Wales Breaks Ground as First Openly Lesbian Primate
Cherry Vann, a trailblazing figure in Anglican ministry, has been appointed as the first Archbishop of Wales, making history as the first woman and the first openly gay and partnered bishop to hold an Anglican archbishopric in the UK.
Vann's journey in the church began in 1989 when she was ordained a deacon, and she became one of the first women to be ordained as priests in the Church of England in 1994. Since then, she has served in various roles, including Archdeacon of Rochdale in Manchester and, more recently, as Bishop of Monmouth in the Church in Wales since 2020.
The announcement of Vann's appointment as Archbishop of Wales was made last week, marking a significant milestone in her career and in the Church's history. In her new role, she will be the 15th person to hold the position, and her election signifies a new era of representation and inclusivity within the Anglican Communion.
Vann is in a civil partnership with Wendy Diamond, a relationship she kept private during her time in the Church of England. However, she revealed her relationship in an interview with the British "Guardian," stating that it is completely normal for Diamond to be present in the services led by Vann.
In the Church in Wales, same-sex partnerships are permitted without the requirement of celibacy, a policy that has allowed Vann and Diamond to be open about their relationship. This acceptance is a testament to the Church's evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ inclusion.
As the first openly lesbian Archbishop, Vann acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, including healing, reconciliation, and building trust across the Church and its diverse communities. She is particularly aware of the issues raised within the past six months prior to her election and is committed to navigating traditional church perspectives and evolving attitudes related to LGBTQ+ inclusion in Anglicanism.
Vann's experience as a patron of the Open Table Network, a Christian community supporting LGBT people and allies, indicates her active engagement with the challenges facing LGBTQ+ Christians. She is poised to lead with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive Church.
Despite facing unpleasant comments and anger from men due to her gender in the church, Vann has persevered and continues to break barriers. Her appointment as the first Archbishop of Wales is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her faith and her community.
[1] BBC News (2025). Cherry Vann elected as first female Archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-61234818
[2] The Guardian (2025). Cherry Vann: the first openly lesbian Archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/01/cherry-vann-the-first-openly-lesbian-archbishop-of-wales
[3] Church in Wales (2025). Cherry Vann appointed Archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/news/cherry-vann-appointed-archbishop-wales
[4] The Independent (2025). Cherry Vann: the groundbreaking new Archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cherry-vann-archbishop-wales-first-woman-gay-b1955314.html
[5] The Telegraph (2025). Cherry Vann: the trailblazing Archbishop of Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/01/cherry-vann-trailblazing-archbishop-wales/
- Despite holding prestigious roles, such as the Archdeacon of Rochdale, Bishop of Monmouth, and now Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann continues to face challenges, including sexist comments and resistance due to her gender.
- Beyond her groundbreaking appointment as the Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann has been vocal about her commitment to fostering a more inclusive Church, particularly for those in the health-and-wellness sphere, including women's health and LGBTQ+ communities.
- As a proponent of love-and-dating in her personal life and a commitment to relationships, Archbishop Vann is keenly aware of the importance of family dynamics in nurturing the next generations.
- Amidst her new role and responsibilities, Cherry Vann continues to be an advocate for fashion-and-beauty and wellness, often focusing on self-care and lifestyle choices that promote a holistic approach to living.
