ABUJA, Nigeria — Nearly 500 Anglican bishops, clergy and lay leaders from across the world have gathered in Nigeria’s capital for a major meeting of conservative Anglicans that leaders say could shape the future of the global church.
The Global Anglican Future Conference, known as GAFCON, began Tuesday, March 3, with an opening Holy Communion service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Life Camp, Gwarinpa. The gathering, known as GAFCON G26, is continuing this week in Abuja and is expected to run until March 6.
Hosted by the Church of Nigeria, the conference brings together orthodox Anglican leaders who say they are seeking to reaffirm biblical teaching and strengthen cooperation among churches that hold traditional Christian doctrine.
The meeting is being held under the theme drawn from Joshua 24:15: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Organizers say the theme reflects what they view as a critical moment for the Anglican Communion, which has been divided for years over issues including human sexuality, biblical authority and church leadership.
In his opening remarks, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, welcomed delegates and described the gathering as a moment of major decision for Anglicans worldwide.
Leaders say the Abuja meeting is focused on prayer, fellowship and discussions on the future structure and mission of the Anglican movement, particularly among churches in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
GAFCON first emerged in 2008 during a conference in Jerusalem as conservative Anglican provinces responded to theological changes in parts of the Anglican Communion, particularly in Western churches such as the Episcopal Church in the United States and segments of the Church of England that have moved toward recognizing same sex relationships.
Since then, GAFCON leaders have argued that the movement represents the majority of the world’s Anglicans, pointing to rapid church growth in Africa and other parts of the Global South.
In a communique released in October 2025, GAFCON leaders declared that orthodox provinces remain the authentic expression of Anglicanism despite tensions within the wider Communion.
The Abuja gathering follows earlier meetings including the ninth Bishops Training Institute, which ran from Feb. 28 to March 3 and focused on equipping newly consecrated bishops for leadership and mission.
Key discussions during the conference are expected to address strengthening cooperation among orthodox Anglican churches, expanding evangelism efforts and considering structural reforms within the Communion.
Nigeria hosts the largest Anglican province in the world with more than 20 million members, making the country a central voice within the GAFCON movement.
Uganda is also playing a prominent role at the meeting. The Church of Uganda has sent one of the largest delegations to the conference, comprising 52 bishops and church leaders led by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.
The strong representation reflects Uganda’s growing influence within global Anglicanism and its firm alignment with GAFCON’s emphasis on biblical authority and traditional Christian teaching.
Communications Officer for the Church of Uganda, Sadiiki Adams, confirmed the delegation’s presence in Abuja, noting that Ugandan bishops and leaders had joined counterparts from across the world for the opening service.
Uganda’s Anglican Church, which has more than 11 million members, has consistently supported the positions adopted by GAFCON since its formation and remains one of the key voices within the orthodox Anglican movement.
Participants say the conference provides an opportunity to deepen collaboration among Anglican churches while reaffirming their shared theological convictions.
While some critics say the movement deepens divisions within the wider Anglican Communion, leaders at the Abuja gathering say their aim is to safeguard historic Christian teaching and strengthen the church’s global mission.
As discussions continue through the week, church leaders say the outcomes of GAFCON G26 could influence the direction of Anglicanism for years to come, particularly as churches in Africa and the wider Global South continue to grow and gain influence within the worldwide communion.
