Gafcon leaders meet in Nigeria as splits widen in Anglican Church over Sarah Mullally
BBC World
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Anglican Church is facing a significant split as conservative clerics gather in Nigeria to elect a rival leader to Archbishop Sarah Mullally, the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. This move by Gafcon, an influential global network of conservative Anglicans, comes weeks before Mullally’s official installation and highlights deepening divisions over her appointment. The group, which identifies itself as "authentic Anglicans guarding God's gospel," opposes the ordination of women to leadership roles, a stance rooted in traditional interpretations of scripture.
Gafcon’s meeting in Abuja aims to elect its own spiritual leader, positioning it as a rival authority within the Anglican Communion. This decision marks a escalation in tensions that have been simmering for years, particularly over issues like same-sex unions and female leadership. The group argues that its perspective aligns with the majority of Anglicans globally, though this claim is contested by supporters of Mullally, including some African churches.
The stakes are high as this schism threatens to fracture the unity of the Anglican Communion, which spans nearly 95 million members worldwide. While Gafcon accuses the Church of England of imposing progressive views on Global South nations, the group itself draws significant support from regions like Africa, despite differing opinions within those communities.
The gathering in Nigeria underscores a broader cultural and theological shift within Christianity, where traditional doctrines are being challenged by modern interpretations. For readers interested in global religious affairs, this development highlights the complexities of navigating faith in an increasingly diverse world. The outcome of these meetings could reshape the future of one of the world’s largest Christian denominations, with implications that extend far beyond Nigeria and the UK.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026