Full Breakdown
Major Split in the Anglican Communion: GAFCON Declares New Global Anglican Communion
10/17/2025, 8:25:01 PM
GAFCON's Declaration and Reordering of the Anglican Communion
On October 16, 2025, the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON) announced a significant reordering of the Anglican Communion, declaring itself the true Anglican Church and rejecting the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This decision, articulated by GAFCON chairman Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda, follows years of tension over theological differences, particularly regarding issues of sexuality and biblical authority. GAFCON's statement emphasized that the Anglican Communion will now be founded solely on the authority of the Holy Bible, rejecting the traditional Instruments of Communion, including the Lambeth Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), which they claim have failed to uphold Anglican doctrine.
Background and Context of the Split
GAFCON was established in 2008 in response to what its leaders perceived as a departure from biblical teachings by senior leaders in the Anglican Communion, particularly within the Church of England and The Episcopal Church in the United States. The recent appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury has been a catalyst for GAFCON's decision, as her support for same-sex marriage and other progressive stances have drawn criticism from conservative Anglicans, particularly in Africa.
Key Figures and Groups
Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, as the chairman of GAFCON, has been a prominent voice in this movement, asserting that GAFCON represents the majority of the world’s Anglicans, particularly from Africa, Asia, and South America. Other influential figures include the Archbishops of Nigeria, Uganda, and South Sudan, who have historically aligned with GAFCON's conservative stance.
Official Statements and Responses
In their statement, GAFCON declared, “We cannot continue to have communion with those who advocate the revisionist agenda, which has abandoned the inerrant word of God as the final authority.” They further stated, “As has been the case from the very beginning, we have not left the Anglican Communion; we are the Anglican Communion.” This sentiment reflects their commitment to a biblical foundation for Anglican identity, as outlined in the Jerusalem Declaration of 2008.
Criticism and Opposition
The decision to form the Global Anglican Communion has been met with criticism from various quarters. Detractors argue that this split could lead to further fragmentation within the Anglican Church, echoing historical schisms. Critics also highlight the potential for increased isolationism and fundamentalism within GAFCON, raising concerns about unresolved issues such as polygamy and human rights abuses in some member provinces.
What's Next for the Global Anglican Communion
GAFCON plans to celebrate the formation of the Global Anglican Communion at the upcoming G26 Bishops Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, scheduled for March 3-6, 2026. This conference will serve as a platform for GAFCON leaders to solidify their new structure and governance, which includes the establishment of a Council of Primates to oversee the new communion.
Conclusion
The declaration of the Global Anglican Communion marks a pivotal moment in the history of Anglicanism, reflecting deep theological divides and the ongoing struggle over the interpretation of Scripture within the Church. As GAFCON asserts its leadership, the implications for global Anglicanism and the broader Christian community remain to be seen, with potential ramifications for millions of Anglicans worldwide.
