The Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) has rebranded itself, and shelved plans to elect an alternative to the Archbishop of Canterbury, after a “move of the Holy Spirit”.

Leaders had gathered in Nigeria to choose a primus inter pares (“first among equals”), in direct challenge to the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The plans came about after the group rejected Most Revd Sarah Mullally as leader of the Anglican denomination, citing a firm belief in male headship.

According to Anglican Ink, leaders of the breakaway meeting at St Matthias House in Abuja experienced a “late night move of the Holy Spirt”.

On 5 March 2026, instead of announcing the name of the new leader, Rt Revd Pauk Donison told members that the GAFCON leaders has “dissolved the Gafcon Primates Council” and would “share its stewardship” of the Anglican denomination, under a new name: the Global Anglican Council.

The GAC will still include bishops, clergy and lay leaders, keeping the same voting rights and standing.

Rather than directly challenging the Archbishop of Canterbury’s overall authority, the chosen leader would head up the Global Anglican Council.

Bishop Donison then introduced Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda as the new chairman of the Global Anglican Council.

Anglican Ink described a “deflated mood” among delegates, who were told that the change of plans came about after careful prayer and discussion.

On Thursday, the Anglican Communion acknowledged the “pain and division” which many GAFCON members had experienced due to Most Revd Sarah Mullally’s appointment, but emphasised the importance of the Church being “family”.

“Christ calls his Church to be one,” the Communion added.