The global shift of a church: how the Anglican center of gravity moved
Once a collection of English colonial outposts, the Anglican Communion is undergoing a profound transformation. As membership expands globally, the historical dominance of Western provinces is being challenged by a rising tide of churches from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, reshaping the very definition of Anglican unity.
The Anglican Communion, a body of approximately 47 member churches, is defined by a shared heritage of scripture, tradition, and reason. While the Archbishop of Canterbury serves as a 'first among equals' and a focus of unity, the individual national and regional churches exercise jurisdictional independence. This structure allows for a broad spectrum of belief, ranging from Evangelical and Arminian perspectives to more Anglo-Catholic traditions, often described as a 'via media' between Lutheranism and Calvinism.
Historically, the Communion's expansion followed the reach of the British Empire, with missionary societies like the Church Missionary Society (founded 1799) facilitating growth. However, the 1998 Lambeth Conference marked a significant watershed. For the first time in centuries, primates from developing regions in the 'two-thirds world' prevailed over bishops from more prosperous Western nations on issues regarding human sexuality. This signaled a shift from a West-dominated institution to one where the Global South holds increasing influence.
This shift has brought significant tension. Recent years have seen de facto schisms, with some provinces in North America disaffiliating over progressive doctrines. In 2023, ten provinces in the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches declared 'impaired communion' with the Church of England following decisions on same-sex blessings. By 2026, groups like GAFCON moved toward creating a 'Global Anglican Council.' While some leaders, like Laurent Mbanda, frame these movements as a 'rebrand' or reorganization rather than a departure, the fundamental balance of power within the Communion continues to be contested.
Source: Anglican Communion
