UK

CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Church in Wales SILENT on Criticism of New “Archbishop” Cherry Vann’s Sexuality | First Woman & LGBTQ+ Leader in Its History [#CherryVann #ChurchInWales]

🚨 BREAKING: Church in Wales Chooses Silence 🚨
“Archbishop” Cherry Vann makes history as the first woman and first openly LGBTQ+ leader of the Church in Wales — but her appointment has triggered both celebration and backlash.

Hi everyone,

The Church in Wales has declined to respond to criticism about the sexuality of newly elected “Archbishop” Cherry Vann, the first woman and first openly LGBTQ+ leader in its history. This groundbreaking appointment has sparked both praise and backlash from across the Anglican world.

In a BBC interview, she emphasized that the church should reflect “the diversity that is in our communities.”

The conservative Anglican network GAFCON condemned the appointment as “another painful nail in the coffin of Anglican orthodoxy,” with its chair, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, accusing the Church of yielding to secular pressures.

“Rev Canon” Sarah Hildreth Osborn, chaplain for the LGBTQ+ community in the Diocese of St Asaph, said she was “not surprised one iota” by the reaction and described Vann’s appointment as “a good choice.”

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QUESTION: Why is the Church in Wales choosing silence in the face of criticism?

Publicly responding to criticism, especially on sensitive topics such as sexuality and church leadership can keep the controversy alive in the media cycle. Silence allows the Church to avoid giving critics more attention or fueling further division.

By not addressing the criticism, the Church can keep the public narrative centered on “Archbishop” Vann’s historic appointment — the first woman and first openly LGBTQ+ “Archbishop” of Wales — instead of turning it into a prolonged conflict with opponents.

Silence can be a statement in itself, implying that “Our choice stands, and it needs no defense.”
This approach projects confidence and legitimacy in their decision-making without engaging in theological or political debate.

The Anglican Communion is already deeply split over LGBTQ+ inclusion. Public rebuttals might deepen rifts with conservative provinces like Nigeria, Uganda, as well as networks like GAFCON, which have already criticized the appointment.

Engaging critics could place more personal scrutiny and pressure on Vann in her first weeks as Archbishop. Keeping silent shields her from being drawn into heated public arguments before she has fully settled into her role.

QUESTION: What is the historic significance of Archbishop Vann’s appointment?

The Church in Wales has never had a woman Archbishop in its 100+ years history, dating back to 1920. Vann’s election marks a major breakthrough toward gender equality in top church leadership.

Vann is the first openly lesbian person to hold the top role in the Church in Wales. This is a significant step in the Anglican Communion’s ongoing debate and disagreement over LGBTQ+ inclusion in ordained ministry.

Her appointment signals the Church in Wales’ willingness to reflect the diversity of modern Welsh culture, aligning with a more progressive wing of Anglicanism that supports women’s leadership and LGBTQ+ clergy.

Many Anglican provinces, particularly in Africa, Asia, and parts of the Global South still oppose the ordination of openly LGBTQ+ clergy. Wales’ choice places it alongside progressive provinces such as the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada.

This moment puts the Church in Wales in the global spotlight, making it part of the small group of Anglican provinces that have embraced openly LGBTQ+ leaders at the highest level.

QUESTION: What are the reactions from conservative and progressive Anglican groups?

GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) called the appointment “another painful nail in the coffin of Anglican orthodoxy.” Accused the Church in Wales of conforming to secular culture rather than upholding traditional biblical teaching. Warned this decision will further alienate conservative provinces in Africa, Asia, and South America.

The Church of Nigeria & Other Global South Provinces expressed “deep sorrow” and rejection of the decision. They reaffirmed their stance that marriage and leadership in the church should be reserved for heterosexual couples, citing Scripture as their authority.

LGBTQ+ Chaplaincy Leader in Wales, Rev Canon Sarah Hildreth Osborn said she was “not surprised one iota” by the criticism and called Vann “a good choice” for the role. She emphasized that the Church must reflect its communities’ diversity.

Inclusive Anglican Networks (UK & Canada) celebrated the election as a bold step for equality in both gender and sexuality representation. Framed it as a compelling witness that “all are welcome in the body of Christ.”

In short, Conservatives see this as a departure from biblical orthodoxy and fear it may deepen the Anglican Communion’s divisions. Progressives consider this as historic progress toward inclusivity, equality, and a church that mirrors modern society.

QUESTION: What does this mean for the future of the Church in Wales and global Anglicanism?

This solidifies its place among the more inclusive Anglican provinces, aligning it with the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada. Progressive Christians, women, and LGBTQ+ people may feel more accepted, possibly boosting engagement in urban and younger demographics. Some parishes may feel disconnected from church leadership, potentially leading to reduced attendance or even local schisms. The Church will be in the spotlight more often, both positively and critically, as debates over sexuality in church leadership continue.

The gap between progressive provinces (UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand) and conservative provinces (Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, parts of Asia) will likely deepen. Some conservative provinces may cut formal ties or refuse to recognize Archbishop Vann’s leadership in inter-Anglican gatherings. Progressive provinces may feel empowered to elect more women and openly LGBTQ+ bishops or archbishops, accelerating change in leadership representation. As the symbolic head of the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury may face greater pressure to take a side or reconcile developing schisms.

In Wales, this could mark a new era of inclusion, but with a risk of alienating traditionalists. Globally, this appointment will likely be a flashpoint in the already fragile unity of the Anglican Communion, pushing both progressives and conservatives to clarify their positions.

QUESTION: Do you think the Church should have responded to the criticism, or is staying silent the best option? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section.