Anglican’s First Openly Gay Archbishop Says Members Are Leaving Church in Wales

The first openly gay Archbishop in the Anglican Church has revealed that some members have left the Church in Wales following her appointment.

According to the BBC, the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Reverend Cherry Vann, said her election has triggered mixed reactions within the church, with some worshippers expressing support and encouragement, while others have responded with hostility.

Archbishop Vann’s appointment has also drawn criticism from conservative Anglican groups, including the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, which described her elevation as a setback to traditional Anglican doctrine.

Despite the backlash, Archbishop Vann said the church must make room for differing views and remain focused on unity in faith. She stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual respect within the Anglican community.

She made the remarks ahead of her first Christmas message as Archbishop, which she said would focus on hope and the theme of “light in the darkness” amid division and uncertainty within the church.