A group of conservative Anglican bishops has announced plans for “principled disengagement” from the traditional leadership of the Anglican Church in Canterbury, just weeks before a new Archbishop of Canterbury is due to take office.
The group, known as Global Anglican Future Conference, made the decision during a four-day meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, where hundreds of bishops and church leaders gathered to discuss the future of the global Anglican community.
During the conference, the movement renamed its structure the Global Anglican Communion and elected Laurent Mbanda as chairman of the newly formed Global Anglican Council. Miguel Uchôa was appointed deputy chairman, while Paul Donison was chosen as general secretary.
Leaders of the movement said the decision does not represent a breakaway church but rather an effort to reform Anglicanism while distancing themselves from structures linked to Archbishop of Canterbury, historically the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The bishops argued that continuing to participate in meetings organized by Canterbury — including the Lambeth Conference and gatherings of the Anglican Consultative Council — could suggest agreement with theological positions they oppose.
However, not all Anglican leaders support the move. Rose Okeno warned that distancing from traditional Anglican structures could weaken the unity of the global church.
She said the Anglican Communion has long been held together by shared institutions and dialogue, even when disagreements arise over issues such as church leadership and biblical interpretation.
Despite the disagreement, leaders from the conservative movement say their goal is to preserve what they believe are the historic teachings and foundations of the Anglican faith.
