Conservative Anglican Bishops Establish New Leadership Body in Nigeria
In a significant development within global Anglicanism, conservative bishops who oppose the Church of England's historic appointment of its first female spiritual leader have announced the creation of a new governing body. The announcement was made on Thursday from Nigeria's capital, Abuja, marking a formal split from traditional Anglican structures over theological differences regarding gender leadership.
Historic Appointment Sparks Division
The Global Anglican Future Conference, commonly known as Gafcon, has named Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda as the chairman of the newly formed council. This move comes as a direct response to the Church of England's decision to appoint Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury, set to take office on March 25. Mullally, a 63-year-old former nurse, will become the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, which maintains a presence in approximately 165 countries worldwide.
While her nomination has been celebrated as a groundbreaking milestone, it has faced substantial criticism from several archbishops across Africa. These conservative leaders argue that biblical teachings require a male-only episcopacy, making Mullally's appointment theologically unacceptable.
Strong Opposition from African Anglican Communities
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba of the Church of Nigeria articulated this opposition clearly following Mullally's nomination in October, stating that "the majority of Anglicans" do not support a woman leading their Church. This sentiment holds particular weight given Nigeria's position as home to the second-largest Anglican community globally, with around 18 million members, trailing only behind England itself.
The Archbishop of Canterbury traditionally plays a central role in major British royal ceremonies, including coronations, weddings, and funerals, adding to the position's symbolic and practical significance within both religious and national contexts.
Structure and Mission of the New Anglican Body
The newly established Global Anglican Communion features three primary leaders, with Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, 71, serving as chairman. Mbanda had previously held the chairmanship of Gafcon since 2023. According to a statement released by Gafcon, the body also includes a broader membership comprising both clergy and lay members, creating a comprehensive organizational structure.
Gafcon describes itself as "a global movement, gathering authentic Anglicans, guarding God's gospel, growing orthodox leaders and generating missional resources." The organization voiced strong disapproval when Mullally's appointment was announced, emphasizing that while some may welcome the decision, the majority of the Anglican Communion maintains that biblical principles mandate male leadership within the episcopacy.
This development highlights ongoing tensions within the 85-million-strong global Anglican communion, particularly between progressive movements in Western nations and conservative factions in regions like Africa. The establishment of this new body in Abuja represents a formal institutional response to these theological disagreements, potentially reshaping Anglican governance and fellowship moving forward.
