Abuja, Nigeria — 5 March 2026. Leaders of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) elected Laurent Mbanda, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, as chairman of a newly formed Global Anglican Council during their gathering in Abuja, Nigeria. The decision was announced on 5 March 2026 at the GAFCON leaders’ meeting, often referred to as G26, which brought together hundreds of Anglican bishops, clergy and lay leaders from across the world.
The election places Archbishop Mbanda at the head of a council expected to guide the future direction of churches associated with GAFCON. The meeting was hosted by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), one of the largest Anglican provinces globally. Delegates gathered between 3–6 March 2026 to discuss leadership, mission and the structure of global Anglican cooperation.
In a statement following the announcement, Mbanda said the new role carries a responsibility to strengthen cooperation among Anglican churches committed to historic doctrine. “We are committed to walking together in faithfulness to the gospel and supporting one another in mission around the world,” he said after the vote. Leaders said the council will serve as a coordinating body for churches connected with GAFCON.
The decision also reflects ongoing debates within the wider Anglican Communion about authority and theological direction. Some GAFCON leaders have expressed concern about doctrinal changes in parts of the global Anglican family and believe stronger leadership among Global South churches is necessary. The new council is intended to provide that collective leadership.
Archbishop Mbanda, who has served as head of the Anglican Church in Rwanda since 2018, has been an influential voice in international Anglican discussions. He previously hosted the major GAFCON gathering GAFCON IV in Kigali, which brought thousands of Anglican leaders to Rwanda and highlighted the growing influence of African churches in global Anglican affairs.
Organizers said the Nigeria meeting marks an important step in shaping the future structure of GAFCON-aligned churches. “This council represents our commitment to shared leadership and biblical faithfulness,” one conference statement noted. Leaders expect the Global Anglican Council to coordinate mission work, theological collaboration and future international gatherings in the coming years.
