Image © Licensed to Chris Ratcliffe / Sunday Times. 19/12/2015. London, United Kingdom. Unseasonal temperatures sees Kew Gardens busy with people enjoying the high December temperatures. Pictured: Picture by Chris Ratcliffe
UPDATE: In a groundbreaking move, the Global Anglicans (GAFCON) have officially severed ties with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Communion, marking a historic split on October 16, 2023. This decision, made nearly 500 years after the execution of Protestant Bishops Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, signals a significant shift in the landscape of global Anglicanism.
The GAFCON leadership stated, “As has been the case from the very beginning, we have not left the Anglican Communion; we are the Anglican Communion.” Their official communique outlines eight critical points that redefine their stance and the future of the Anglican faith.
Why This Matters: This momentous decision reflects deep theological divisions within the Anglican community, with GAFCON rejecting what they describe as a revisionist agenda that compromises the authority of Scripture. The implications are profound, impacting millions of believers worldwide who align with traditional Anglican teachings.
Key elements of the GAFCON resolution include:
1. A declaration that the Anglican Communion will be restructured solely around the authority of the Holy Bible, as noted in the Jerusalem Declaration.
2. A rejection of established Instruments of Communion, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lambeth Conference, due to perceived failures to uphold Anglican doctrine.
3. A commitment to discontinue communion with those advocating for changes to the historic Christian teachings.
4. A re-organization into a fellowship of autonomous provinces, emphasizing a return to the original structure of the Anglican Communion established in 1867.
5. A directive that provinces will not participate in meetings led by the Archbishop of Canterbury or contribute financially to the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC).
GAFCON is urging member provinces to amend their constitutions, eliminating references to communion with the Church of England and the See of Canterbury. To maintain membership in the Global Anglican Communion, provinces must now assent to the Jerusalem Declaration of 2008, setting a contemporary standard for Anglican identity.
This decisive action is not just administrative; it represents a bold spiritual reaffirmation amid a rapidly changing cultural landscape. GAFCON’s leadership emphasizes the importance of contending for the faith as outlined in Jude 3, urging Christian leaders to resist societal pressures that dilute doctrinal integrity.
The ramifications of this split are likely to resonate throughout the global Anglican community, influencing future dialogues, governance, and theological education. It serves as a pivotal moment for believers committed to traditional Anglican values, with potential lessons for other denominations facing similar challenges.
As the GAFCON communique boldly states, “The Future Has Arrived.” This declaration encapsulates the urgency and significance of their actions, calling on Christians to reflect on their commitment to the teachings of Christ in an era of increasing secular influence.
Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds, with more updates expected as GAFCON and its provinces navigate this historic reordering of the Anglican Communion.
