Global orthodox Anglican leaders announced a major split from the Archbishop of Canterbury in October 2025. Archbishop Laurent Mbanda issued the statement. He serves as chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council and primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda.
Moreover, he declared that the group could no longer recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as an instrument of communion. “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 and overturned Resolution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference,” Archbishop Laurent Mbanda said.
Appointment of New Archbishop Deepened The Divide
However, the announcement followed the selection of Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop Laurent Mbanda criticized her support for blessings of same-sex unions. Additionally, he pointed to her vote in favor of them in the Church of England.
As a result, this appointment abandons global Anglicans. “This appointment abandons global Anglicans, as the Church of England has chosen a leader who will further divide an already split Communion,” he added. Leaders also noted her position on female bishops. Many orthodox Anglicans view it as contrary to Scripture.
Therefore, the group launched the Global Anglican Communion. Moreover, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda stressed one key point. “As has been the case from the very beginning, we have not left the Anglican Communion; we are the Anglican Communion,” he stated.
Provinces Received Clear Instructions
Furthermore, the leaders directed their provinces to stop all participation. They ordered provinces to avoid any meetings called by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Consequently, provinces ended financial contributions to the council.
Additionally, provinces removed references to communion with the See of Canterbury from their constitutions.
Bishops Gathered In Abuja To Formalize Changes
In March 2026, 347 bishops and 121 lay and clerical leaders from 27 provinces met in Abuja, Nigeria. They attended the G26 Bishops Assembly. As a result, they inaugurated the Global Anglican Council to replace the former GAFCON Primates Council.
Moreover, the new council elected Archbishop Laurent Mbanda as chair. It also chose Archbishop Miguel Uchôa as deputy chair. Furthermore, it selected Bishop Paul Donison as general secretary. The council affirmed the Jerusalem Declaration as the sole confession of faith.
Council Rejected Canterbury Instruments
However, the Global Anglican Council declared that the moral authority of the Seat of Augustine had been compromised. Council members stated that the Archbishop of Canterbury could no longer serve as a spiritual anchor.“
Continuing participation in Canterbury-led meetings would give credence to the lie that it is possible to maintain unity with those who have abandoned biblical teaching,” the council said. Leaders accused the traditional structures of cultural capitulation.
