The title on my thumbnail reads, “Female Archbishop – Church Should Represent Diversity.” Whenever I see words like diversity and inclusion, my ears sort of prick up because I know it’s not of God. It’s not biblical. It’s not the Christian way.
The Tweet That Sparked the Discussion
David Vance, in a recent tweet, said: “The churches are rebelling against God. UK church reaches two milestones at once, appointing its first ever female archbishop who is also its first ever lesbian archbishop.”
Please don’t think I’m knocking these types of people. As Christians, we’re called to love others. But God’s way is the best way. If we follow the Bible, it will show us the best way to live. This type of living is not biblical. Once again, I’m not against these people, but it’s not God’s best.
Reports from the Media
The Telegraph reported: “UK’s first female archbishop appointed. Reverend Cherry Vann has been appointed the new Archbishop of Wales and vows to bring healing and reconciliation to the role.” Healing and reconciliation sound good, but let’s look deeper.
The Bishop of Monmouth, the Rt Rev Cherry Vann, 66, has been revealed as the new Archbishop of Wales. As well as being the 15th person to hold the role, she is also the first woman and the first non-heterosexual member of the clergy to do so. Her appointment marks a break from centuries of tradition in both the Church of England and the more recently established Church in Wales, where the role of Archbishop was always assumed by a heterosexual man.
Her biography on the Church’s website describes her as living with her civil partner Wendy and their two dogs. The Telegraph said her appointment comes at a turbulent time for the Church in Wales.
Mixed Reactions
Her appointment was welcomed by liberal members of the Church. Rev Charlie Baczyk-Bell, a gay priest, described her appointment as “very significant” and a “story and a half.”
However, it prompted a backlash among more conservative sects. Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern, said:
“Cherry Vann lives with her civil partner Wendy in a same-sex relationship. This directly contradicts the Church’s historic and biblical doctrine that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman, and that sexual relationships are reserved for marriage. As an ordained minister and now Archbishop, Cherry Vann has sworn to uphold the teaching of the Church. Instead, she is publicly living in deliberate rejection of those very doctrines.”
She went on to say that the Church in Wales has now institutionally turned away from biblical teaching on sexual morality, calling it a clear sign of apostasy. Truly, this marks a tragic moment in the Church’s history.
What the Church Should Represent
The Guardian reported the headline: “Church should represent diversity, said new Archbishop.” But the Church should represent the Great Commission. Mark 16:15-18 (NKJV) says:
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’”
Scriptures on God’s Design and Love
The Bible is clear about God’s design for marriage and relationships:
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Romans 1:26-27
“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
An Invitation to New Life
Maybe you’re reading this and you’re not a Christian. The Bible says you can start a new life in Christ today. If you would like to receive eternal life, you can pray this prayer sincerely:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord and Savior of my life. I repent of all my sins and I ask You today to take over complete control of every aspect of my life. Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer and meant it, you now have the gift of eternal life. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions — I’m here to help and encourage.
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