Conservative Anglican Coalition to Elect Rival Leader in Abuja

A coalition of conservative Anglican churches from Africa and Asia will convene in Abuja this week to elect a leader positioned as a rival to the Archbishop of Canterbury, a development likely to intensify existing divisions within the global Anglican Communion.

The meeting, organised by the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), will include bishops and senior clergy from member churches. GAFCON, founded in 2008, formed in response to what it describes as increasing theological liberalism in parts of the Communion.

Central to the dispute are the ordination of women and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members in leadership roles and marriage rites. While some Anglican provinces, particularly in the West, have implemented reforms recognising same-sex unions and expanding women’s ordination, GAFCON leaders argue these changes conflict with biblical teachings.

The Anglican Communion consists of 46 autonomous churches, historically linked to the Church of England and symbolically led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. GAFCON leaders say they now represent a majority of practising Anglicans, mainly in Africa and parts of Asia, where church attendance remains high and theological conservatism is dominant.

Although GAFCON has not formally separated from the Communion, the decision to elect a rival leader marks an unprecedented assertion of influence. Analysts suggest the move could establish a parallel centre of authority within global Anglicanism.

Francis Aduroja, a priest from southwest Nigeria, expressed confidence ahead of the Abuja gathering that the bishops would uphold their convictions.