In early March 2026, hundreds of Anglican leaders from around the world gathered in Abuja, Nigeria for one of the most significant meetings in recent Anglican history. The gathering, organized by the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), brought together bishops, clergy, and lay leaders to discuss the future of global Anglicanism.
The conference, often referred to as G26, took place from March 3 to March 6, 2026, and attracted hundreds of delegates representing dozens of countries and more than 180 dioceses worldwide. Leaders came from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania to pray, worship, and address critical issues facing the Anglican movement today.
A Shift in Global Christian Leadership
One of the most striking aspects of the gathering was the growing influence of churches from the Global South, particularly in Africa. Anglican churches in countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya now represent a large portion of the world’s practicing Anglicans.
Because of this demographic shift, many leaders believe that the future direction of Anglicanism will increasingly be shaped by churches in Africa and other developing regions rather than by traditional centers in Europe.
Hosting the event in Nigeria symbolized this shift. The Church of Nigeria, one of the largest Anglican bodies in the world, played a major role in organizing and hosting the conference.
Major Decisions and Structural Changes
During the meeting, Anglican leaders made important decisions about the governance of their global fellowship. One of the most notable changes was the creation of a new leadership body called the Global Anglican Council, which replaced an earlier leadership structure known as the Primates Council.
The new council includes bishops, clergy, and lay representatives from around the world, each with voting authority. Leaders said the goal is to provide a broader and more representative form of leadership within the movement.
The council is chaired by Laurent Mbanda, the Archbishop of Rwanda, who emphasized the importance of maintaining biblical teaching and strengthening cooperation among Anglican churches worldwide.
Ongoing Debates Within Anglicanism
The gathering also reflected long-standing debates within the wider Anglican Communion. Over the past two decades, disagreements have emerged over theological and social issues, including church leadership and interpretations of biblical teaching.
Some Anglican churches—particularly in Africa and parts of Asia—have expressed concern about theological developments in certain Western churches. The Abuja gathering was partly an effort to clarify shared beliefs and reinforce what participants described as historic Anglican doctrine.
Despite these disagreements, leaders repeatedly stated that their goal is not division but renewal—seeking to strengthen the church’s commitment to Scripture and mission.
Worship, Prayer, and Fellowship
Beyond governance and theological discussions, the conference also focused heavily on worship and spiritual fellowship. Services, prayer gatherings, and Holy Communion were central parts of the event, reminding participants that their shared faith remains the foundation of their unity.
For many delegates, the gathering was an opportunity to strengthen relationships between churches that often operate in very different cultural and political contexts.
Looking Ahead
The Abuja meeting may prove to be a turning point for global Anglicanism. With Christianity growing rapidly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, leadership within the Anglican world is increasingly reflecting this global reality.
As Anglican leaders continue to navigate theological debates and organizational changes, the broader goal remains clear: to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serve communities around the world.
For many observers, the gathering in Abuja demonstrated that the future of global Christianity will be shaped not by one region alone, but by believers working together across continents.