Global Anglican Council Formed to Lead Worldwide Communion

Global Anglican Council Formed to Strengthen Leadership

The Global Anglican Council has officially been established to lead the mission and governance of the Global Anglican Communion.

The announcement came from the Global Anglican Conference (GAFCON), marking a major shift in the movement’s leadership structure. The change introduces broader representation and a more collaborative leadership model.

This development replaces the former GAFCON Primates Council, which had guided the movement since 2008.

Primates Dissolve Previous Leadership Council

GAFCON Primates agreed to dissolve the Primates Council to make room for the new structure.

The leaders said the Global Anglican Council will now serve as the Communion’s main governing body. The new council brings together primates, advisors, and guarantors from across the global church.

Members include bishops, clergy, and lay leaders, and each member holds full voting rights. This change expands leadership participation beyond primates alone.

Church leaders say the move reflects their desire to share authority across a wider group of Anglican leaders worldwide.

A Shift Toward Shared Leadership

Under the new system, the Global Anglican Council will operate through a more collaborative governance model.

The chairman of the council must be a Primate. However, the role will not function as primus inter pares (first among equals). Instead, the structure emphasizes collective leadership and shared responsibility.

Church leaders believe this model better reflects the global nature of the Anglican movement.

Reason Behind the Structural Change

The council explained that the decision came after careful reflection on the current state of the Anglican Communion.

According to the leaders, existing instruments of communion no longer fully serve the needs of most Anglicans around the world.

Because of this, the Global Anglican Council will now guide the Communion through a broader and more representative structure.

Some titles used in earlier leadership frameworks will also be discontinued as the new governance model takes effect.

New Leaders Elected at Inaugural Meeting

During its first official meeting, the Global Anglican Council unanimously elected new leaders to guide the body.

The newly elected officers include:

• The Most Rev. Laurent Mbanda — Chairman

• The Most Rev. Miguel Uchoa — Vice Chairman

• The Rt. Rev. Paul Donison — General Secretary

Their leadership terms will continue until the end of GAFCON V, which is scheduled to take place in Athens in 2028.

What the Global Anglican Council Means for the Church

Church leaders say the Global Anglican Council marks a new chapter for the global Anglican movement.

The council aims to strengthen unity, expand representation, and guide the Communion’s mission worldwide.

By involving bishops, clergy, and lay members in decision-making, the council hopes to reflect the voices of Anglicans across continents.