A grouping of conservative Anglican churches will meet in Nigeria this week to elect a leader to rival the Archbishop of Canterbury, an unprecedented ‌step that is likely to deepen a widening theological split within the Anglican Communion.

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) – which brings together conservative churches mainly in Africa and Asia – opposes liberal shifts in parts of the Communion, including the ordination of women ⁠and greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ members.

GAFCON, formed in 2008, says it now represents a ‌majority ⁠of the world's practising Anglicans. The Communion is made up of 46 autonomous churches, with the Church of England historically regarded as the "mother church".

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https://www.reuters.com/world/conservative-anglicans-pick-rival-leader-widening-church-rifts-2026-03-03/>

>A grouping of conservative Anglican churches will meet in Nigeria this week to elect a leader to rival the Archbishop of Canterbury, an unprecedented ‌step that is likely to deepen a widening theological split within the Anglican Communion.

>The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) – which brings together conservative churches mainly in Africa and Asia – opposes liberal shifts in parts of the Communion, including the ordination of women ⁠and greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ members.

>GAFCON, formed in 2008, says it now represents a ‌majority ⁠of the world's practising Anglicans. The Communion is made up of 46 autonomous churches, with the Church of England historically regarded as the "mother church".