Conservative Anglicans in Nigeria to Elect Rival Leader Amid Church RiftsGAFCON's Challenge to Anglican Communion LeadershipBy Ben EzeamaluBackground and ContextLAGOS, March 3 (Reuters) - A grouping of conservative Anglican churches will meet in Nigeria this week to elect a leader to rival the Archbishop of Canterbury, an unprecedented step that is likely to deepen a widening theological split within the Anglican Communion. The Role of GAFCONThe Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) – which brings together conservative churches mainly in Africa and Asia – opposes liberal shifts in parts of the Communion, including the ordination of women and greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ members. Recent Protests and DevelopmentsThe group protested the Church of England’s appointment last October of its first woman Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally. The Communion is made up of 46 autonomous churches, with the Church of England historically regarded as the "mother church". GAFCON's Position within the Anglican CommunionGAFCON says it has not left the Anglican Communion but is asserting itself as its authentic orthodox core.

Source: The Times March 03, 2026 13:50 UTC