CCQW welcomes Cherry Vann, Wales' first female Archbishop

On Sunday 14th June Friends from Newport, Cardiff and Penarth Local Meetings were pleased to welcome the Archbishop of Wales, Cherry Vann, to join them for a Meeting for Worship. Newport Friends hosted the Meeting for Worship at Maindee Library, which is their usual meeting place.

Following the Meeting for Worship, Carolyn Sansom, one of CCQW’s co-clerks, presented Cherry with a copy of the recently published version of Margaret Fell’s book ‘ Women’s speaking Justified’ which we hope gave a Quakerly affirmation to her appointment. In the book Fell gives biblical illustrations that support womens’ ministry and witness. After the presentation Cherry chatted with Friends over tea, coffee and of course biscuits!

Cherry is the first female Archbishop of Wales and is also the first Archbishop to be openly in a same-sex relationship so her appointment is something to truly celebrate!

Newport Friends extended their good wishes to her back in November 2025 when she was appointed and they have already been in contact with her via various ecumenical links.

The occasion also gave Friends from the most easterly Local Meetings in South Wales Area Meeting, the opportunity to meet together and those who attended felt it affirmed the value of inter-visitation between our Meetings.