Fact-Check: Cherry Vann New Archbishop in Wales
What We Know
Cherry Vann has been officially announced as the new Archbishop of Wales, making history as the first female leader of the Church in Wales. She succeeds Andrew John, who retired following a series of safeguarding concerns and controversies at Bangor Cathedral. Vann, originally from Leicestershire, has served as the Bishop of Monmouth since January 2020 and was one of the first women ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994 (BBC News, Church in Wales).
Her election took place on June 30, 2025, and she received a two-thirds majority from the Electoral College, which convened at St Pierre Church and Hotel in Chepstow (NBC News, Church Times). Vann has expressed her commitment to addressing the issues raised during the previous archbishop's tenure, emphasizing healing and reconciliation within the church (Church in Wales).
Analysis
The claim that Cherry Vann has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Wales is supported by multiple reputable sources, including BBC News, NBC News, and the Church in Wales' official announcements. Each source confirms her election and highlights her historical significance as the first female archbishop in Wales (BBC News, NBC News, Anglican Ink).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations and official church communications. The BBC, for instance, is known for its rigorous editorial standards and fact-checking processes. The Church in Wales also provides direct information about its governance and leadership changes, making it a credible source for this announcement (Church in Wales).
While the context surrounding Andrew John's retirement includes serious allegations regarding safeguarding practices, there is no indication that Vann's appointment is directly related to these issues. Instead, her election appears to be a step towards restoring trust and addressing past failures within the church (Church Times, NBC News).
Overall, the evidence supports the claim that Cherry Vann is the new Archbishop of Wales, and the sources provide a comprehensive view of her background and the significance of her appointment.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Cherry Vann has been appointed as the new Archbishop of Wales is accurate. Multiple reliable sources confirm her election and highlight her role as the first female leader of the Church in Wales. The context of her appointment, while involving past controversies, does not detract from the veracity of the claim.
Sources
- Cherry Vann announced as new Archbishop of Wales
- Cherry Vann becomes first Church in Wales archbishop
- New archbishop of Wales is the Anglican Communion's first lesbian-partnered primate
- New Archbishop of Wales elected - The Church in Wales
- Cherry Vann becomes first woman and LGBTQ cleric named archbishop in Britain
- Wales Elects First Female Archbishop
- Church in Wales bishops elect Cherry Vann 15th archbishop of Wales
- Bishop of Monmouth Cherry Vann elected as new Archbishop of Wales
