The Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) of Primates said they will appoint a “missionary bishop” for orthodox Anglicans in England and Europe, bypassing Anglican Churches in England and Scotland. The move came in the form of a communique this week from Lagos where some 24 leaders including archbishops, bishops and leading clergy were led by Archbishop Nicholas Okoh of Nigeria. They came from nine Anglican provinces and five provincial “branches”. GAFCON represents the majority of world Anglicans.

Dear Brothers and sisters,

The news dropped like a bombshell on the Anglican Communion. Archbishop Justin Welby got hit with an ecclesiastical MOAB. All his talk of “radical new Christian inclusion,” “mutual flourishing”, “good disagreement” and other bland statements of optimism got bombed to smithereens.

The Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) of Primates said they will appoint a “missionary bishop” for orthodox Anglicans in England and Europe, bypassing Anglican Churches in England and Scotland.

The move came in the form of a communique this week from Lagos where some 24 leaders including archbishops, bishops and leading clergy were led by Archbishop Nicholas Okoh of Nigeria. They came from nine Anglican provinces and five provincial “branches”. GAFCON represents the majority of world Anglicans.

The authority of Scripture, the failure to preach a clear gospel message and the acceptance of pansexuality in a number of Western provinces brought on this crisis, with the Global South adamantly refusing to compromise the teaching of Scripture on homosexual behavior.

In their communique they said, “During our meeting, we considered how best to respond to the voice of faithful Anglicans in some parts of the Global North who are in need of biblically faithful episcopal leadership.

“Of immediate concern is the reality that on 8th June 2017 the Scottish Episcopal Church is likely to formalize their rejection of Jesus’ teaching on marriage. If this were to happen, faithful Anglicans in Scotland will need appropriate pastoral care.

With reference to churches planted in England but outside the CofE by the orthodox Anglican Mission in England (AMiE), they said, “These churches are growing, and are in need of episcopal leadership. Therefore, we have decided to consecrate a missionary bishop who will be tasked with providing episcopal leadership for those who are outside the structures of any Anglican province, especially in Europe.”

The AMiE said in a statement that they were “delighted” by the move; “We thank God that the number of AMiE churches is growing and that an increasing number of individuals are exploring ordination with us. As a result, we have an urgent need for more episcopal leadership.” They said the consecration of a missionary bishop will help it “achieve our gospel ambition of planting 25 healthy Anglican churches by 2025 and 250 by 2050”.

The GAFCON communique did try to reassure orthodox members of the Church of England, and said this; “We are aware that some Christians within these provinces who are contending for the faith may at first perceive the news of a missionary bishop as a threat to their hopes for reform from within.”

By contrast, The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. David Chillingworth, said the actions of the GAFCON primates was “regrettable” and said the action lacked respect for the territorial integrity of each province. “This move is a breach of that understanding.” You can read full reports on all this in today’s digest.

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