Equal marriage in Welsh churches "years away", says lesbian Archbishop Cherry Vann
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The newly appointed Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann - who was the first lesbian bishop in the Church in Wales - has said that the introduction of equal marriage within the Church in Wales remains “a number of years away”, despite growing support for change.
Speaking to LBC, Archbishop Vann acknowledged the deep divisions within the Church on the issue, noting that while many are eager to see same-sex couples married in church, others remain firmly opposed. “There were views strongly stated on both sides of the argument,” she said, following recent listening exercises and discussions at the Church’s Governing Body meeting in Newport.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in the UK since 2013, but ceremonies are still not permitted within either the Church in Wales or the Church of England. In 2021, the Church in Wales began a five-year trial allowing blessings for same-sex unions. With that period nearing its end, three options are under consideration: letting the trial lapse, making blessings a permanent rite, or moving towards offering full marriage services.
Archbishop Vann, who is herself in a civil partnership, said she understands the frustration felt by many LGBTQ+ members of the Church. “I absolutely understand there are many who do [want equal marriage], but feel the church is currently offering them something second best,” she said. “My sense is we will get there. How long it will take us? I don't know. It's probably going to be longer than some people want, but we must make sure we move in a way that we can keep most people with us.”
She emphasised that any decision must be rooted in spiritual discernment. “Essentially, we have to come to a point where we reach a mutual understanding that this is where God is leading us,” she said. “It’s not what we want as human beings, it’s what we believe God is leading us into.”
Despite the cautious tone, Vann has previously described gay marriage in church as “inevitable”, though she has stressed the importance of respectful dialogue and unity within the Church.
