Cherry Vann, 66, has opened up about hiding her sexuality for decades while navigating her path in the Anglican communion, revealing that only her deep belief in her calling kept her going. 

Vann, who was among the first women ordained as priests in England in 1994, now holds the historic distinction of being the UK’s first female and openly gay archbishop  and the first openly lesbian and partnered bishop to serve as a primate within the Anglican communion.

In an interview with The Guardian, Vann said she never set out to be a campaigner, but feels called to live authentically in line with her faith. Since becoming bishop of Monmouth in 2020, she has found greater acceptance within the Church in Wales, which permits same-sex civil partnerships among clergy unlike the Church of England, where such relationships must remain celibate.

Vann publicly acknowledged her 30-year civil partnership with Wendy Diamond upon her appointment as bishop.