Clerics meet in Nigeria: could the Anglican Church split?
Conservative Anglican leaders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America convened in Nigeria on Wednesday for a four-day meeting aimed at discussing the future of the Anglican Church following the appointment of its first female leader.
Conservative Anglican leaders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America convened in Nigeria on Wednesday for a four-day meeting aimed at discussing the future of the Anglican Church following the appointment of its first female leader.
The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON) organized the conference to deliberate on proposals that may formalize a split concerning same-sex marriage and the roles of LGBTQ+ clergy within the church.
This meeting occurs shortly after the Church of England appointed Archbishop Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. Her appointment has been met with criticism, primarily due to her stance on LGBTQ+ issues, by some conservative Anglican leaders.
Homosexuality remains a sensitive topic in several African countries, with some jurisdictions enforcing colonial-era laws or newer legislation. Notably, Uganda implemented legislation in 2023 that prescribes the death penalty for certain homosexual offenses.
The Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON) organized the conference to deliberate on proposals that may formalize a split concerning same-sex marriage and the roles of LGBTQ+ clergy within the church.
Venerable Canon Justin Murff, Canon for Global Affairs to the General Secretary of GAFCON, emphasized the importance of describing GAFCON as a "global orthodox Anglican fellowship" or the "global Anglican communion," representing the majority of practicing Anglicans. He highlighted that the term "schism" is misleading and that the organization is merely a reordering of the Anglican Communion.
GAFCON, primarily composed of members from the Global South, represents some of the largest church provinces within Anglicanism. Although it operates independently of the official Anglican Communion based in London, many GAFCON churches remain members of the Anglican Communion.
The Anglican Church originated during the Reformation with a blend of Protestant theology and Catholic rituals. It expanded globally through British colonialism and missionary efforts, achieving significant evangelistic success under local leadership, particularly in Africa.
The Anglican Communion Office estimates approximately 85 million members across 165 countries, including over 40 autonomous provinces. The communion is considering a decentralization plan to become less focused on Canterbury, reflecting the demographic shift of Anglicans to the Global South.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
