First LGBTQ Woman Named Archbishop in Britain

Bishop Cherry Vann has been elected as archbishop of the Church in Wales, making her the first woman and LGBTQ cleric to lead any of Britain’s Anglican churches. The Church in Wales, which separated from the Church of England in 1920, chose Vann for the position on Wednesday.

Vann, one of the first women ordained as priests in the Church of England in 1994, previously served as Archdeacon of Rochdale in northern England before relocating to Wales. She is associated with the Open Table Network, a Christian group that provides worship and support for LGBTQ individuals.

Vann, who lives with her civil partner Wendy and their two dogs, will take over from Andrew John, who stepped down in June after internal church reports in May highlighted governance and safeguarding concerns. Vann, aged 66, expressed her commitment to addressing these issues in her first statement following her appointment.