[Abuja, Nigeria] In the culminating address of the “Road to Reordering” series at the GAFCON G26 conference, the Rt. Rev. David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore in the Church of Ireland and GAFCON Europe Regional Secretary, urged global Anglicans to embrace what the West deems “radical” as God’s normative call for the church. Delivered on March 6, 2026, at St Matthias House, this 12th and final plenary talk built on themes from the preceding 11 addresses on the theme of the “Road to Reordering”” this week, including scriptural authority, prayer, orthodoxy, and mission amid cultural shifts.

Bishop McClay opened by thanking Archbishop Laurent Mbanda and the Nigerian hosts, acknowledging the diverse gathering of bishops, primates, clergy, and laity as the body of Christ. He prayed that the conference outcomes would equip the church to reach the world with the gospel, strengthen disciples, and prepare a bride for Christ’s return.

Bishop McClay shared a pivotal moment from January 2025, during a midnight flight from Santiago, Chile—following the consecration of Bishop Juan Esteban—to Belfast. There, he said, the Holy Spirit impressed upon him a list of 15 practices that the West calls radical but God views as normal. These include radical preaching of the gospel to return to true biblical fidelity; a fighting spirit of prayer that empowers the church and fights for orthodoxy using gospel weapons; radical reaching of the lost, recognizing hell’s reality; radical self-judgment of hearts that fosters holiness, especially among leaders; radical hearing of God’s voice that prompts quick obedience; radical knowing of Christ that positions the global Anglican communion under the Almighty’s shadow; radical love for the Trinity that sets hearts ablaze with kingdom passion; radical questioning and discontent with the status quo that spurs fresh pursuit of Jesus; creation of a radical victorious people overflowing with the joy of the Lord; radical resistance to temptation that ignites unprecedented repentance; radical teaching of laity to transform communities through healthy churches; radical intentional coaching of young ordained and lay leaders to strengthen the church; radical sharing of resources so no church lacks what it needs for growth; radical obedience to God’s word that captures global attention and sparks revival; and a radical worshipping global Anglican communion that fulfills God’s full calling.

Focusing on knowing Christ intimately, Bishop McClay directed listeners to Luke 4:16-24, where Jesus reads from Isaiah in his Nazareth synagogue, declaring, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Bishop McClay drew three insights from the passage. First, Jesus’ actions reveal God’s profound love for all nations, undeterred by hostility from Pharisees, scribes, or even family. With the world population at about 8.3 billion and projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, he called for carrying Jesus to Europe’s mission fields and the earth’s four corners, caring urgently for the lost to spare them from hell.

Second, Jesus’ proclamation from Isaiah defines his enduring identity and the church’s mission: announcing good news to the poor—all people in need—liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and the Lord’s favor. This involves healing broken hearts, with Scripture taught to touch both heads and hearts, and active ministry to the addicted through the Spirit’s power that raised Christ from death.

Third, Jesus boldly claims messiahship, rejecting revisionist distortions. Bishop McClay shared a story of bishops in a Nazareth cathedral boasting of wealth over Peter’s declaration to the lame man, countered by the reminder to invoke Jesus’ name for healing: “Rise up and walk.” He pressed for a communion expectant of miracles, evangelism at the forefront per the Great Commission, life transformation over political saviors, and re-evangelization of Ireland and the West.

As an Irishman, Bishop McClay connected to St. Patrick, who planted Ireland’s first church at Saul in County Down in 432 AD in what is now McClay’s diocese. He concluded by leading the conference in Patrick’s Lorica (Breastplate) prayer, invoking the Trinity’s strong name against heresy and evil, Christ’s omnipresence, and praise for salvation in Christ alone.