The Church in Wales has announced that Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, is to be the next Archbishop of Wales. Cherry served in the Diocese of Manchester for many years, including over a decade as Archdeacon of Rochdale, and we extend our warmest congratulations on her appointment.
Bishop David writes,
"Among her many roles in Manchester, Cherry pioneered our annual Clergy Well-being Survey, worked on disability issues, and was Bishop’s Advisor on Women’s Ministry. As the Church of England prepared to admit women to the episcopate, she maintained strong and affectionate ties with those for whom, on theological grounds, this was not a step they could happily endorse. Her passion for the church to be open and inclusive for everyone shone through all she did. It was a privilege to take part in her consecration as Bishop of Monmouth in early 2020, only a few weeks before Covid struck.
"Cherry may not be the first person to go from Manchester Diocese to be an archbishop - William Temple holds that accolade - but she is certainly the first woman from our diocese to rise to such a position. In many ways, not least as a great champion of minorities and those less privileged, she embodies Temple’s spirit. We wish her and her partner Wendy all the best for this new adventure in ministry.”