GAFCON Rebrands as Global Anglican Council Amid Leadership Changes

The Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) has restructured its leadership approach by dissolving the Primates Council and establishing the Global Anglican Council, a decision made during a recent meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. This shift comes in response to the election of Most Revd Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury, which GAFCON leaders viewed as a challenge to their traditional beliefs, particularly regarding male headship in the church.

GAFCON cancels Archbishop rival plans, after ‘move of the Holy Spirit’Gafcon elects council instead of figurehead to rival Archbishop of CanterburyConservative Anglicans prepare to challenge Sarah Mullally with rival leader

GAFCON, formed in 2008, represents a significant faction of conservative Anglicans who feel that the Anglican Communion has deviated from biblical principles. The group claims to represent a substantial portion of the global Anglican population, although these numbers are debated. The recent election of Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, has intensified frustrations among GAFCON members, who argue that her leadership embodies a liberal direction contrary to their beliefs.

Conservative Anglicans prepare to challenge Sarah Mullally with rival leader

The newly formed Global Anglican Council will be led by Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda, who has been elected as its first chairman. He will be supported by Archbishop Miguel Uchoa as Vice-Chairman and Bishop Paul Donison as General Secretary. This council structure aims to distribute authority more broadly among bishops, clergy, and lay leaders, moving away from the traditional "primus inter pares" model.

Gafcon elects council instead of figurehead to rival Archbishop of CanterburyGAFCON cancels Archbishop rival plans, after ‘move of the Holy Spirit’Conservative Anglicans prepare to challenge Sarah Mullally with rival leader

In response to the changes, the Anglican Communion acknowledged the "pain and division" felt by GAFCON members due to Mullally's appointment. They emphasized the importance of unity within the Church, stating, “Christ calls his Church to be one.” Bishop Donison described the council's formation as a "historic day" for GAFCON, reflecting a desire to share authority among a wider group of leaders.

GAFCON cancels Archbishop rival plans, after ‘move of the Holy Spirit’

Critics within GAFCON have expressed that the decision to abandon the election of a primus was unexpected and aimed at avoiding direct confrontation with the Archbishop of Canterbury. George Conger reported that this sudden change left delegates "perplexed," as the election of a primus had been anticipated. The decision illustrates a clear divide within the Anglican Communion, with conservative factions increasingly disillusioned by liberal leadership choices.

Gafcon elects council instead of figurehead to rival Archbishop of Canterbury

The Global Anglican Council is set to lead the Global Anglican Communion until the next major GAFCON gathering scheduled for Athens in 2028. This new structure aims to address the needs of a majority of Anglicans worldwide, particularly those in the Global South, who have resisted liberal changes in doctrine. The ongoing dynamics within the Anglican Communion will likely continue to evolve as these factions navigate their differences.

Conservative Anglicans prepare to challenge Sarah Mullally with rival leader

• “This expanded Council reflects the willingness of the Primates to share their authority with a wider group of global Anglican leaders, both lay and clergy.” — Bishop Paul Donison, General Secretary of the Global Anglican Council

Gafcon elects council instead of figurehead to rival Archbishop of Canterbury

• “the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy” — Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, Chairman of GAFCON’s leadership council

Conservative Anglicans prepare to challenge Sarah Mullally with rival leader

• “Christ calls his Church to be one,” — Anglican Communion Statement on Unity

GAFCON cancels Archbishop rival plans, after ‘move of the Holy Spirit’