This article is an attempt to capture the current situation in global Anglicanism. It needs to be borne in mind that the current situation is very fluid and between this being written and published another shift could have taken place! The writer is seeking to convey the broad picture and is not offering a commentary on the various developments. All Statements referred to here are to be found on the EFAC Global website.
THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
The actions authorised by the General Synod (by the barest of majorities in the houses of clergy and laity) have been deemed to be illegal. As such the provision of standalone services for same sex blessings and any attempt to authorise same sex marriages are on hold. They therefore need to resolve at the next General Synod in February what to do next.
The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury can take a lead to pull back from the past seven years of all-consuming tension and conflict. See the EFAC Global Statement on the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The appointment of the Bishop of London as the next Archbishop of Canterbury has received a mixed reaction both within the Church of England as well as globally. See the EFAC Global Statement on Living in Love and Faith.
THE CHURCH IN WALES
The new Primate in Wales is in a civil same sex relationship. This has been condemned by GAFCON, GSFA and EFAC. The Bishops in Wales have just issued a statement recommending to their General Synod that they make their current trial arrangements re blessings permanent and they progress to introduce same sex marriage. EFAC Global has called for the provision of alternative episcopal oversight for those who cannot in conscience agree with these arrangements. See the EFAC Global Statement on Wales.
GLOBAL SOUTH FELLOWSHIP OF ANGLICAN CHURCHES[i]
In April 2024 the GSFA held its first Assembly at an Orthodox Conference Centre north of Cairo. GSFA became an ecclesial entity and fellowship of Orthodox Anglican Provinces and Dioceses within the Anglican Communion which originated with 25 Provinces, 12 of which are full covenanted members. There are 3 Associate Provinces/Dioceses and 15 Mission Partner Anglican networks, theological colleges and mission societies (including EFAC Global). GSFA members have a covenantal relationship of mutual accountability.
GSFA has three strategic areas of focus:
1. Economic Empowerment
2. Mission Partnerships
3. Bishops’ Formation
The current Chair is Archbishop Justin Badi (Primate of South Sudan). The Secretariat is based in Singapore and Cairo.
GAFCON GLOBAL[ii]
Gafcon is a global movement, gathering authentic Anglicans, guarding God’s gospel, growing orthodox leaders, and generating missional resources, for the glory of God.
Following on from the Martyrs Day Statement (2025) Gafcon has established itself as the Global Anglican Communion. It is made up of autonomous Provinces/ Dioceses that have rejected the instruments of Communion of the Anglican Communion and are bound together by a commitment to the authority of the Bible and the Jerusalem Declaration.
Gafcon Global as a new ecclesial entity is holding a Bishops Conference in Nigeria in March 2026 at which a new Chair will be elected. It is led by a Primates council.
The current Chair is Archbishop Laurent Mbanda (Primate of Rwanda). The Secretariat is based in Plano Texas.
THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
The IASCUFO Report on the future of the Anglican Communion was released in December 2024. There was much to be critical of in relation to this report including their unwillingness to uphold an orthodox position on human sexuality. The key recommendations will be considered by the Anglican Consultative Council when it meets in Ireland in July 2026.
The IASCUFO Nairobi-Cairo Proposals include the following proposals:
1. That the 1930 Lambeth Conference description of the Anglican Communion be amended, including the deletion of the phrase “in communion with the see of Canterbury” and its replacement with words which include “bound together through … historic connection with the See of Canterbury”.
2. That the existing structures be changed, including a rotating presidency of the Anglican Consultative Council.
See the EFAC Global Statement on the IASCUFO proposals.
ANGLICAN CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
In November this year Bishop Mark Short became the Primate of the ACA. Bishop Mark has been the Bishop of Canberra Goulburn since 2019 and is the first evangelical Primate since we started electing Primates in 1982. Also in November Bishop Ric Thorpe will be installed as Archbishop of Melbourne. Bishop Ric has been the Bishop of Islington since 2015, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of London. He has been responsible for church planting and the church growth work of the Diocese as well as nationally.
Bishop Stephen Hale is Chair of EFAC Australia and General Secretary of EFAC Global.
[i] The numbers of members listed here are current at the time of writing and may change in the light of the recent announcement from Gafcon Global given there is significant overlap of membership.
[ii] The numbers of members listed on their website may change in the light of the recent announcement, given there is significant overlap of membership with the GSFA and some Provinces/ Dioceses have constitutional links to Canterbury and the Anglican Communion (including Australia).