The Church in Wales may soon embrace a significant change, as the newly elected Archbishop, the Most Reverend Cherry Vann, anticipates the introduction of gay marriage ceremonies. Her election as the 15th Archbishop has sparked widespread discussion due to her civil partnership with Wendy Diamond, in place since 2015.
This decision has not gone unnoticed, especially among Anglican leaders from the Global South, who have voiced strong objections to Vann’s appointment. The Most Rev Dr Laurent Mbanda, Chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council, described the election as an “act of apostasy” and a “failure in leadership,” expressing concerns over its impact on Anglican orthodoxy.
Archbishop Vann, however, has responded with a personal perspective, stating in an interview with Premier, “I never heard God say to me, who you are is wrong. Who you love is wrong. You are living in sin. I have never heard that from God, and that’s all I can say.”
She emphasized the diversity of opinions among Christians on various issues, suggesting that the church evolves in its understanding of God’s love over time. Vann believes that the Church in Wales will likely accept same-sex marriages soon, although she has no plans to expedite this change through her position.
Her election was achieved with a two-thirds majority in the Electoral College, following her five-year tenure as the Bishop of Monmouth.
In a letter to Gafcon members, Archbishop Mbanda urged orthodox Anglicans to resist what he perceives as moral compromises within the church, stating, “The decision by the Church in Wales to elect the Rt Revd Cherry Vann as Archbishop and Primate is another painful nail in the coffin of Anglican orthodoxy.”
He continued, “By celebrating this election and her immoral same-sex relationship, the Canterbury Communion has again bowed to worldly pressure that subverts God’s good word.”
Andrea Williams from Christian Concern also expressed her disapproval, labeling Vann’s appointment as “tragic” and indicative of apostasy.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
