THE Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) has announced the Provincial Synod of the Church of Rwanda Archbishop Laurent Mbanda extension as Primate until June 2023.

This was announcement by GAFCON Chairman, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, in a statement signed by Mr James Stileman, Operations Manager, Gafcon and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja.

Okoh was quoted as saying that it was a great news as Archbishop Mbanda is a key member of the Primates Council and was due to retire in 2020 after only two years in post.

He expressed disappointment with those that were excluded from attending the Jerusalem conference due to visa issues.

“We were saddened by the fact that there were several from the Middle East and Africa who wanted to come but were prevented from doing so.

“We are determined that they should experience the same sense of awe and joy, and we have therefore decided to organise a conference specifically tailored for them and at the location and exact dates of ‘G19,” he said.

Primate Okoh said that the date for that conference is yet to be concluded but they were looking at the end of February.

He said that they were busy establishing the nine networks that were launched at the Jerusalem conference in June.

“The nine Networks launched in Jerusalem would be adequately resourced.  Please pray for the Network leaders as they draw up plans and budgets for each Network and for Canon Charles Raven, the Gafcon Membership Development Secretary, as he oversees the whole project.

“This is such a crucial initiative for Gafcon as we seek to expand our ability to proclaim the Gospel faithfully around the world,” he said.

He, however, urged Gafcon community to continue to pray for the courage of the four churches in Christchurch, New Zealand and St. Thomas’ in Edinburgh, Scotland, to disaffiliate from their provinces following decisions by both to endorse same sex marriage.

“Fellow orthodox Anglicans in North America, who split from the Episcopal Church for similar reasons, will appreciate how bold they have been.

“Without the prayers and fellowship of the Gafcon community they are likely to feel extremely isolated,” he said.

He added that they should pray for the successful change-over of General Secretary and Chairman which would take place in the next nine months.

“The transition from Archbishop Peter Jensen as General Secretary to Archbishop Ben Kwashi will begin next month and needs to be completed when the former retires at the end of the year.

“Archbishop Foley Beach becomes Chairman next April and a period of transition will begin imminently.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that GAFCON is a renewal conference for Anglicans; it seeks to uphold conservative biblical conviction within the Anglican Communion.

The 2018 GAFCON conference came to a close as the Primates’ Council announced the duo as successors.

Kwashi would replace the current General Secretary, Archbishop Peter Jensen of Australia, who has served GAFCON in that capacity since its inception 10 years ago.

“Kwashi will fully take over in Jan. 2019, while Beach will officially take over as Chairman of GAFCON in April 2019, at the next Primates’ Council meeting. (NAN)

– Aug. 10, 2018 @ 11:49 GMT |