- Vann, 66, shared in an interview with The Guardian how she kept her sexuality hidden for decades while navigating her journey as one of the first female priests in England, ordained in 1994.
- Now the first female and openly lesbian archbishop in the UK, she credits her faith for helping her persevere.
The new Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev. Cherry Vann, has said that same-sex marriage in the church is “inevitable.”
Vann, 66, shared in an interview with The Guardian how she kept her sexuality hidden for decades while navigating her journey as one of the first female priests in England, ordained in 1994. Now the first female and openly lesbian archbishop in the UK, she credits her faith for helping her persevere.
She revealed that her civil partnership with Wendy Diamond, her partner of 30 years, was once a secret due to fear of backlash, but now Wendy openly supports her ministry.
Vann acknowledged that gender and sexuality remain divisive in the Anglican Communion but expressed hope for “healing and reconciliation,” emphasizing the need for love and understanding despite differences.
“I don’t personally feel the need to get married in church; Wendy and I have been together for 30 years, we’ve made our vows, and we are committed to each other.
“Gay marriage in church is inevitable, I think: the question is when. There are people who are very opposed, and as leader, I have to honour their position, which is theologically grounded. It isn’t my job to push something through that would alienate a good proportion of clergy,” she added.
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