The Church in Wales may soon witness a significant shift as the newly appointed Archbishop, the Most Reverend Cherry Vann, anticipates officiating gay marriages in the near future. Vann’s election as the 15th Archbishop has stirred debate, fueled by her sexual orientation and her civil partnership with Wendy Diamond since 2015.
Her appointment has sparked criticism, particularly from Anglican leaders in the Global South, who see it as a departure from traditional Biblical teachings on sexuality. The Most Rev Dr Laurent Mbanda, Chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council, labeled her election an “act of apostasy” and a leadership failure. He expressed concern, stating it was “another painful nail in the coffin of Anglican orthodoxy.”
In response, Vann shared her personal perspective rather than a biblical one. In an interview with Premier, she said, “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 highlighted the diversity of opinions within Christianity on numerous issues, including divorce, remarriage, and assisted dying, arguing that the church evolves in its understanding of God’s love.
Despite expecting the Church in Wales to eventually embrace same-sex marriages, Vann has stated she will not leverage her position to hasten this change. Her election was secured last month with a two-thirds majority in the Electoral College, following her five-year tenure as the Bishop of Monmouth.
Archbishop Mbanda, addressing Gafcon members, called for orthodox Anglicans to resist the “relentless pressure of Anglican revisionists who blatantly impose their immorality upon Christ’s precious church.” He lamented, “It is with a heavy heart that I write to you of grievous events in our beloved Anglican Communion.” He further criticized the Church in Wales for electing Vann, viewing it as succumbing to worldly pressures that undermine Scripture.
Mbanda emphasized the need to challenge errors that compromise biblical teachings on human sexuality, urging believers to “speak up and take a stand.” Similarly, Andrea Williams of Christian Concern described Vann’s appointment as “tragic” and indicative of apostasy.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
