The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) has announced the establishment of a new governing body, the Global Anglican Council, to provide leadership for the Global Anglican Communion.
In a statement issued by the GAFCON General Secretary, Paul Donison, the organisation said the decision followed the dissolution of the GAFCON Primates Council, which had guided the movement since its formation in 2008.
According to the statement, the newly created Global Anglican Council will include primates, advisers and guarantors, comprising bishops, clergy and lay members with full voting rights. The structure is designed to broaden leadership participation within the Communion and strengthen collaboration among Anglican leaders worldwide.
The council will be chaired by a primate, although the position will not operate under the traditional “first among equals” model often associated with Anglican leadership structures.
GAFCON explained that the decision reflects a shift towards a conciliar model of governance, as many Anglican leaders believe the existing Instruments of Communion no longer adequately represent the majority of Anglicans globally.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda has been unanimously elected as Chairman of the Global Anglican Council, while Archbishop Miguel Uchoa will serve as Vice-Chairman. Bishop Paul Donison will serve as General Secretary.
Their tenure will run until the conclusion of the fifth GAFCON Assembly scheduled to take place in Athens in 2028.
The council also resolved that primates who retire from their provincial offices between GAFCON assemblies may continue to serve on the council until the end of the next assembly.
GAFCON described the development as a significant milestone in the evolution of the Global Anglican Communion and its leadership structure.