OTN Patron Bishop Cherry Vann shares story in BBC radio documentary
Cherry Vann is Bishop of Monmouth, the first lesbian bishop in the Church in Wales, and in a civil partnership. As Archdeacon of Rochdale for 11 years, she celebrated with Open Table communities in Liverpool and Manchester, and supported a community consultation which led to forming the Open Table community in Derby.
WATCH Bishop Cherry’s intro video [2.5 mins]
Watch the recording of our Q&A with Cherry, in conversation with OTN Co-Chair Sarah Hobbs here [58 minutes]
FOR LGBT+ History Month, the BBC has spoken to several LGBT+ people in ministry who share their stories of faith, hope and love.
Among them is OTN Patron Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, the first lesbian bishop in the Church in Wales, and in a civil partnership, who reflects on the challenges of having to conceal parts of her life for so long yet, when she goes into her chapel each morning, knowing she’s where God wants her to be.
The programme, God Knows I'm Gay, is part of the Archive on 4 series of ‘Brilliant stories told using archive from the BBC and beyond.’ This episode is presented by Rev Dr Joel Love, Vicar of Rochester in Kent.
Twelve years ago, Joel Love was at theological college, training to become a vicar. He was openly gay, but in accordance with the Church of England's regulations, he was not allowed to be involved in an active, same-sex relationship. During this time he kept an audio diary, reflecting on his faith and his sexuality.
Joel reflects back on his experiences and hears from others about their journeys. As well as Bishop Cherry Vann, he also speaks to Revd Sarah Jones, the first person to have made a gender change before ordination in the Church of England, and Ed Shaw, Ministry Director of Living Out, a group of Christians who experience same-sex attraction but do not believe in expressing those desires.