New Archbishop of Wales elected
A new Archbishop of Wales has been elected today, 30 July 2025.
Cherry Vann who has served as the Bishop of Monmouth for the past five years, has been chosen as the 15th Archbishop of Wales.
She succeeds Bishop Andrew John who retired in July after three and a half years as the leader of the Church in Wales.
Archbishop Cherry was elected having secured a two-thirds majority vote from members of the Electoral College on the second day of its meeting at the St Pierre Church and Hotel in Chepstow. The election was confirmed by the other diocesan bishops and announced by the Senior Bishop, Bishop Gregory Cameron of St Asaph. Archbishop Cherry will be enthroned at Newport Cathedral in due course. As Archbishop she will continue to serve as Bishop of Monmouth.
Originally from Leicestershire, Archbishop Cherry Vann was consecrated as Bishop of Monmouth in 2020. Cherry was ordained as a deacon in 1989. She was then among the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994. She then served as Archdeacon of Rochdale, in the Diocese of Manchester, for 11 years.
She said, "The first thing I shall need to do is to ensure that the issues which have been raised in the last six months are properly addressed and that I work to bring healing and reconciliation, and to build a really good level of trust across the Church and the communities the Church serves.”
The Very Revd Ian Black, Dean of Newport welcomed the news on behalf of the Diocese of Monmouth.
He said, “+Cherry is the right person for this moment in the Church in Wales’ life. She has the skills and vision that we need to restore trust following some very public failings. She has brought stability to the Diocese of Monmouth, managing the change to ministry areas with clarity and purpose, showing deep care for the clergy and people. This foundation will be a good base as she leads the Province over the next few years.
She has a deep faith, which is also open to those who take a different view to her, and this has impressed those people enormously.
I look forward to supporting her as Dean of her Cathedral. One of our duties and pleasures here is to pray for the bishop every day and we will continue to do so gladly.”
The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory said: “Working with Archbishop Cherry for the last five years, I have come to a high appreciation of her deep pastoral skills and sensitivity. I believe that she is absolutely the right person to lead the Church in Wales at this critical time, and she will have my wholeheartedly support and commitment as she shapes the next chapter of our common life.”
The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Rt Revd John Lomas added: "Congratulations and best wishes. May the Lord be with you as you step out into this new ministry."
The Bishop of Llandaf, the Rt Revd Mary Stallard said: "Warmest congratulations to Archbishop Cherry. She has already show the Church in Wales such great and prayerful commitment, priestly care and dedication. Her commitment to honouring the Welsh language and culture are so evident in the diocese she leads. Our new archbishop is such a gift to us already. Her appointment offers us a wonderful opportunity to work together as a diverse church united in our faith, hope and love. I look forward to being part of the Church in Wales under her leadership."
The Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies said: " My personal congratulations are extended to The Most Reverend Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth on her appointment as Archbishop of Wales. The dedication, skills and experience Archbishop Cherry has will enable the Church in Wales to enter a new era. The archbishop will tackle the challenges that lie ahead with faith, kindness and compassion. Archbishop Cherry has my full personal support as she endeavours to achieve the goals and aims of the Church in Wales. Archbishop Cherry has a heart for the people of Wales and will do all that she can to uphold the language, values, culture and character of the Welsh nation. I very much look forward to working with the archbishop in bring peace, faith and unity."
The Diocese of Bangor warmly congratulated Archbishop Cherry on her election and looks forward to working with her for the sake of the gospel and people of Wales.