The leader of the World Conference for the Future of Anglican Communities (GAFCON), a group of Anglican figures opposed to the church’s liberalization led by British leaders, proclaimed on Thursday that he is the genuine leader of the Anglican Church and announced a split from Canterbury.
Most Rev. Dr. Laurent Mbanda, alongside members of the GAFCON Primate Council and as Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, issued a letter stating that the real Anglican Church is now under GAFCON’s authority, rather than the Archbishop of Canterbury, which has been the norm for centuries. This letter was prompted by the recent appointment of Sarah Mulally, who is the first woman to hold the post of Archbishop of Canterbury, made in early October.
Besides the landmark decision to ordain a woman, this Anglican leadership choice has angered numerous clerics globally, especially in African regions, due to her advocacy for same-sex marriage and other progressive stands viewed as “liberal.”
Concerns about her appointment lingered, particularly due to her ties with her predecessor, Justin Welby, who resigned amid revelations of recurring sexual abuse at an Anglican camp. The investigation criticized Welby’s insufficient actions to safeguard the children.
In a statement on behalf of GAFCON, Mbanda expressed that Anglican leaders had drifted too far from foundational teachings of the faith.
“The inaugural Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) took place in Jerusalem in 2008, aiming to address the neglect of the Bible by senior Anglican leaders and to urge them to repent,” said his letter. “Although repentance was lacking, we have prayerfully progressed towards a faithful future for Anglicans, centering the Bible within our communion.”
The letter further “rejects” the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and also dismisses the Lambeth Synod, Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), and the Primates’ Conference. This decision involves not participating in future world conferences hosted by Canterbury and refraining from financial support to the church.
“We cannot maintain ties with those who disregard the infallible Word of God as the ultimate authority and support revisions that counter Lambeth Conference Resolution I.10 from 1998,” the pastor mentioned.
“GAFCON now guides the Anglican Church globally,” Mbanda emphasized. “We haven’t split from the Episcopal Church; we have remained true Anglicans all along.”
GAFCON aims to position itself as a more authentic Anglican body, emphasizing the core tenets of Anglicanism especially in Africa. According to a letter released on Thursday, the group has scheduled the Holy Communion Ceremony of the World Episcopal Church for March 3rd to 6th, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Mulally’s recent appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury ignited significant backlash, especially from conservative factions within the Anglican Communion, which consists of about 85 million Christians worldwide. Critics argue that Mulally has openly supported the blessing of same-sex marriages and pro-LGBT initiatives within the church.
In her first book, Mulally seemed to gloss over the existing divisions within church communities. Post-appointment, she discussed the need for the church to reassess its approach to sexual abuse-related issues, expressing her commitment to listening to survivors and fostering a safe environment.
“This is a complex challenge. Our history of failing to defend vulnerable individuals has left behind a legacy of harm and distrust,” she noted. Regardless of our role in church leadership, we all need to reflect on our actions,” she added.
Mulally also criticized “tribalism,” stating: “The Church of England provides something quieter yet more powerful: a shared history, a sense of tension shaped by prayer, illuminated by the glory of Christ.”
“In our damaged and suffering world, collaborating in the gospel is more vital than ever. Hope stems from God’s boundless love, which brought forth creation and deemed it good,” she affirmed. “Hope sparkled in the courage of Abraham and Sarah and resounded through the prophets. Hope was evident in Mary’s willingness to bear God’s son. Hope resides in Christ’s triumph over sin and death.”
Mulally’s appointment faced staunch opposition from African Anglican churches. Recently, the Anglican Church of Nigeria sharply criticized the appointment as “devastating.”
A statement from Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, conveyed: “It’s troubling that Bishop Sarah Mullaly, a strong advocate of same-sex marriage, described the church’s approval of such blessings as a moment of hope.”
“It’s uncertain how one can hope to mend the already frayed fabric of the Episcopal Church, which has been under strain for over two decades due to the controversial same-sex marriage issues,” he remarked.
GAFCON earlier mentioned in a statement that “The Church of England has selected a leader who will deepen the divisions within an already fractured communion, marking an abandonment of the Anglican Church worldwide.” The group revealed on October 3 its intentions to take the steps announced this week to affirm its status as the true Anglican entity.
“Given the failure of successive Archbishops of Canterbury to uphold the faith, this diocese can no longer function as a reliable leader for the Church of England, much less as a unifying figure,” the statement from October 3 noted. “The revitalization of our cherished Holy Communion is now distinctly in the hands of GAFCON, and we are prepared to lead that effort.”
