A major realignment is underway within the global Anglican community as GAFCON, a prominent conservative Anglican (i.e. Episcopalianism) movement, has declared its formal separation from the Anglican Communion. The announcement comes after intense internal debates over doctrine, sexuality, and leadership, setting the stage for significant changes to the structure and unity of Anglicanism worldwide.
GAFCON’s Declaration and Formation of the Global Anglican Communion
Leaders of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) have declared that they are breaking away from the historic Anglican Communion. They have rejected the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and other Instruments of Communion, citing irreconcilable differences over theological and ethical issues, particularly concerning sexuality and gender.
The decisive moment was sparked by the recent appointment of Sarah Mullaly as the Archbishop of Canterbury. GAFCON leaders claim this move, along with ongoing controversies regarding the blessing of same-sex marriages and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy, reflects a fundamental departure from biblical Anglicanism.
In response, GAFCON announced the establishment of the Global Anglican Communion, a new fellowship uniting autonomous churches committed to upholding the Jerusalem Declaration of 2008—a manifesto emphasizing traditional biblical interpretation, the centrality of Scripture, and orthodox Christian teaching.
Top Countries by Anglican Population
The largest Anglican populations are concentrated in these countries :
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Nigeria: 17.5 million Anglicans (largest globally)
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United Kingdom: 13.4 million (birthplace of Anglicanism)
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Uganda: 8 million
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Sudan: 5 million
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Australia: 3.8 million
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Kenya: 2.5 million
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United States: 2.3 million
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Tanzania: 2 million
Implications for the Global Church
This schism is considered one of the most significant in modern Anglican history. The split will reshape relationships among millions of Anglicans, especially in Africa, Asia, and parts of the Global South where conservative values predominate. GAFCON-affiliated churches now intend to operate with complete independence, while maintaining communion with like-minded provinces worldwide.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed deep regret over the split but insists the wider Anglican Communion will continue its mission of unity, dialogue, and inclusion. In contrast, GAFCON leaders describe their move as essential to preserving the faith as they interpret it and protecting their congregations from what they view as theological drift.
Broader Trends in Global Christianity
This development comes in the context of other significant pressures facing global Christianity, including legal restrictions, security threats, and evolving beliefs on core doctrinal points. The GAFCON split underscores ongoing challenges in balancing tradition and change, and is likely to influence ecumenical relations beyond Anglicanism in the years to come.
Image Credits:
• Canterbury Cathedral UK from the south-west via Wikimedia Commons by Antony McCallum with usage type - Creative Commons License, Antony McCallum: Who is the uploader, photographer, full copyright owner and proprietor of WyrdLight.com
Featured Image Credit:
• Canterbury Cathedral UK from the south-west via Wikimedia Commons by Antony McCallum with usage type - Creative Commons License, Antony McCallum: Who is the uploader, photographer, full copyright owner and proprietor of WyrdLight.com