Published：Mar 2, 22:20Last updated：Mar 6, 12:00

Anglican Communion Faces Historic Split Over Leadership and Doctrine

Mar. 2, 2026 22:20

Anglican leaders are gathering in Nigeria for a four-day meeting to discuss a potential split within the Anglican Communion over theological differences. A revised restructuring plan to decentralize leadership from England has been announced, but uncertainty remains about the future unity of the church.

Summarized

12News

6Media

Mar. 6, 2026 09:25

Conservative members of the Anglican Church announced the creation of a global Anglican Council in Abuja on March 5, reacting to Sarah Mullally's appointment as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. The dispute centers on issues like same-sex marriage blessings and gender roles within the church.

Mar. 6, 2026 12:00

Conservative Anglican leaders in Nigeria have restructured their organization, signaling a break from traditional Anglican Communion practices. Gafcon leaders oppose liberal trends such as same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy, including the recent nomination of the church's first female leader. The move reflects a divergence within Anglican communities, particularly in Nigeria. The article was published on March 6, 2026.

Conservative Anglican leaders have initiated a dramatic restructuring of their global organization, signaling a potential break from the historic Anglican Communion after more than four centuries. The move, centered in Abuja, Nigeria, comes amid deepening theological divisions over issues such as the ordination of women, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the recent appointment of Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. The creation of a new Global Anglican Council and the overhaul of GAFCON’s leadership reflect a growing determination among African and Asian church leaders to challenge the traditional authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and redefine the future of Anglicanism worldwide.The Independent+2

⚡ Theological Divides Intensify

The Anglican Communion has long struggled with internal disagreements, but recent developments have brought these tensions to a head. Conservative leaders, particularly from Africa and Asia, oppose what they see as liberal trends in the Western church, including the blessing of same-sex marriages and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy. The appointment of Sarah Mullally has further polarized the community, prompting calls for alternative leadership structures that better reflect conservative values.Le Figaro+2

🏛️ Formation of the Global Anglican Council

On March 5, 2026, conservative Anglicans in Nigeria announced the establishment of the Global Anglican Council, a new body designed to rival the traditional instruments of communion led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Rwandan Archbishop Laurent Mbanda was elected as chair, though he will share power with other bishops, clergy, and lay members, marking a shift away from the “first among equals” model. The council aims to provide a unified voice for conservatives and reshape global Anglican governance.The Independent+2

🔄 Leadership Restructuring and Uncertain Future

While initial plans included electing a direct rival to Sarah Mullally, conservatives ultimately decided against appointing a new leader with the same title. Instead, the focus has shifted to collective leadership and decentralization, with GAFCON’s overhaul representing a significant organizational break. The future unity of the Anglican Communion remains uncertain, as both sides grapple with the implications of these sweeping changes and the possibility of a formal schism.BBC News+2

AbujaGAFCONNigeriaLaurent MbandaSarah Mullally