A statement from First Things in relation to the election of the Most Reverend Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales.

We have been profoundly saddened by the recent election of the Most Reverend Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales. This decision reflects a troubling direction that leaves the Church in Wales increasingly out of step with the majority of Anglicans worldwide. Yet even in our concern, we wish to affirm and encourage all who remain faithful to the historic and biblical teaching of the Church.

The Church’s teaching on marriage—between one man and one woman—is historic, biblical, and doctrinal. It is enshrined in our liturgies and canon law, and upheld by the Lambeth 1.10 resolution. We give thanks for all who continue to uphold this teaching, often at great personal cost, bearing faithful witness to Christ’s truth and love.

The office of an archbishop carries solemn responsibility: to model godly leadership, to guard the faith once delivered to the saints, and to represent the Church nationally and internationally. This appointment therefore causes us grave concern. We believe that no one persisting in a relationship contrary to Scripture should hold any position of Christian ministry or leadership. Sadly, this decision will only deepen divisions within the Anglican Communion. Entire Provinces that uphold orthodox biblical faith have already distanced themselves from Canterbury-aligned structures that have departed from the truth. Across the Communion, faithful Anglicans continue to seek out alternate structures that maintain and proclaim biblical orthodoxy, such as the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and the Anglican Network in Europe (ANiE). Given the close relationship between our two churches, this appointment undermines our gospel mission and witness and risks further division within the Church of Ireland itself.

We commit ourselves to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Church in Wales, especially those wounded and marginalised by this departure from biblical truth. We give thanks for clergy and laity who, by their faithfulness, courage, and perseverance, remain salt and light within the Church in Wales, seeking its reform and renewal. We also remember in prayer those who have felt unable to remain, now bearing witness to Christ within Anglican structures committed to biblical orthodoxy, as well as in other denominations and churches. May their life and witness bear much fruit in the building up of Christ’s Church in Wales.

All Christians are called through repentance and faith to live lives holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The Church is called to the same. Therefore, we pray that the Church in Wales would repent of this path, return to God’s Word, and pursue holiness. We remain committed to praying for renewal and revival, trusting that the Lord is able to breathe life into dry bones, to bring unity where there is division, and to build His Church against which the gates of hell shall not prevail.

Issued on behalf of First Things which comprises the following evangelical groups and organisations across the Church of Ireland:

• Evangelical Fellowship of Irish Clergy (EFIC)
• Church of Ireland Evangelical Fellowship (CIEF)
• New Wine Ireland

In addition this statement is also supported by:

• GAFCON Ireland