The Primate of Rwanda, the Most Rev. Laurent Mbanda, has been elected chairman of GAFCON. Meeting this week during the GAFCON IV conference in Kigali, the primates’ council elected Archbishop Mbanda to succeed the Most Rev. Foley Beach as leader of the Anglican reform and renewal movement.
Archbishop Mbanda, who served as GAFCON vice-chairman, will be succeeded by the Primate of the Anglican Church of Brazil, the Most Rev. Miguel Uchoa, and a co-vice chair, the Most Rev. Kiniska Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney.
Archbishop Bishop’s term as primate of the Anglican Church of North America expires this June, and he will be ineligible to accept a second five year term as GAFCON leader. Though he retires as archbishop, he remains Bishop of the Diocese of the South.
Delegates to the 17 to 21 April 2023 GAFCON IV Conference were informed of their new leader during the closing Eucharist. Hands were laid upon Archbishops Uchoa and Raffel in prayer for their new ministries by the other primates. Archbishop Mbanda, however, was not present at the service as he flew to the United States on Tuesday after learning of the death of his son, Eddie (33).
The Most Rev. Ben Kwashi, retired Archbishop of Jos (Nigeria) remains General Secretary of GAFCON, charged with the day to day oversight of the organization.
