Dictionary

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Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Deacon

‘Deacon’ comes the Greek word for ‘servant’. Deacons in the Church in Wales have special roles within worship such as proclaiming the gospel. Traditionally, deacons have had responsibility for social care. Deacons often go on to be ordained priest.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home About us Bishops Archbishop of Wales & Bishop of Monmouth

Archbishop of Wales & Bishop of Monmouth

The Most Revd Cherry Vann

Originally from Leicestershire, Archbishop Cherry Vann was elected as Archbishop of Wales in July 2025, having served as Bishop of Monmouth since January 2020. Prior to that, she was Archdeacon of Rochdale, in the Diocese of Manchester, for 11 years.

Archbishop Cherry trained for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge, and was ordained as a deacon in 1989. Among the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994, she served in the Diocese of Manchester. After her curacy in Flixton, she became Chaplain to the Colleges of Further and Higher Education in Bolton and was part of the ministerial team at Bolton Parish Church. She went on to become Chaplain to the Deaf Community in Manchester and Team Vicar in Farnworth and Kearsley. She later served as Team Rector and Area Dean before becoming Archdeacon across Ashton, Oldham and Rochdale. She was also an honorary canon of Manchester Cathedral and a member of the General Synod for 14 years.

Archbishop Cherry has held senior posts in the governance of the Church of England, including serving as Prolocutor of the Lower House of the Convocation of York and as an ex-officio member of the Archbishops’ Council. She was a member of the Strategic Investment Board, which allocated significant funds for projects leading to church growth, and of the Archbishops’ Pastoral Advisory Group, which produced pastoral principles and resources to help churches offer a genuine welcome to LGBTQI+ people.

With a passion for justice and reconciliation, Archbishop Cherry has founded and chaired groups across the Diocese of Manchester that have brought together those of differing views and beliefs on the ordination of women and issues in human sexuality.

A talented pianist, she is both an Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM) and a Graduate of the Royal Schools of Music. She gave recitals and performed piano concertos before beginning training for the ministry. From 1998, she conducted the Bolton Chamber Orchestra until she left to come to Monmouth.

Archbishop Cherry lives with her civil partner, Wendy, and their two dogs.