In a historic move designed to preserve unity across religious lines, Anglican leaders are weighing reforms that could change the centuries-old role of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

According to Reuters, the reforms propose sharing global leadership responsibilities across five continents as internal divisions over LGBTQ+ inclusion and women's ordination threaten to fracture the world’s third-largest Christian denomination.

On July 11, 2025, the Anglican Communion—a worldwide network of 46 autonomous churches in 165 countries—began evaluating a plan to lessen the symbolic authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Since the 16th century, this role has represented the face of global Anglicanism, centered historically in the United Kingdom.

This reevaluation comes during a leadership vacuum following the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby, who stepped down amid controversy surrounding a child abuse cover-up. While the Church of England continues its search for a successor, the broader Communion confronts escalating theological divisions.

The proposed reform, supported by the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order and overseen by Bishop Graham Tomlin, calls for establishing a rotating figurehead for the Communion. This individual would be chosen from five global regions—Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania—and serve a single six-year term.

New Leadership Model Reflects Global Shift

Tomlin noted that the Communion today is markedly different than it was a century ago. As its membership expands globally, especially in the Global South, longstanding assumptions about centralized authority are being questioned.

Currently, roughly one-third of all Anglicans reside in African nations such as Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda. These countries, where homosexuality remains criminalized, often hold deeply conservative views on gender roles and sexuality, setting them at odds with progressive Anglican branches in the West.

The rift widened in 2003 when the U.S. Episcopal Church consecrated its first openly gay bishop. Tensions grew again in 2015 with approval of same-sex marriage rites, leading conservative voices to express concern about abandoning traditional doctrine.

Gafcon Pushes Back Against Unity Proposals

Among the most visible opponents of the proposed reform is Gafcon, the Global Anglican Future Conference. Claiming to represent 85% of Anglicans worldwide, Gafcon has rejected any structure that acknowledges churches supporting same-sex blessings.

Its chairman, Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda, has emphasized that Gafcon does not see itself as the faction departing from Anglican teachings. "We let those who choose to depart from orthodox teaching, leave the Communion," he said.

Tensions peaked in 2023, when the Church of England approved blessings—but not marriages—for same-sex couples. Gafcon promptly reaffirmed their commitment to traditional doctrine in response, solidifying the Conservative bloc’s resistance to Western-led reform efforts.

Internal U.K. Struggles Add To Complexity

Back in Britain, the role of Archbishop of Canterbury remains unfilled. Bishop Martyn Snow, one of the frontrunners, has admitted candidly that he cannot bring even the Church of England into agreement on matters such as marriage and sexuality.

The Church of England, considered the "mother church" of Anglicanism, is witnessing modest growth in attendance after long-term decline. However, involvement in global disputes may be affecting its reputation at home, according to some scholars.

"It's not keeping the allegiance of the population for which it's meant to be the official church," said Linda Woodhead of King’s College London, highlighting disillusionment among British parishioners amid international unease.

LGBTQ+ Clergy Face Ongoing Challenges

For LGBTQ+ clergy within the Communion, institutional inconsistencies remain a deeply personal concern. Charles Bączyk-Bell, a priest in London, had to travel to New York for his wedding due to existing Church of England rules banning same-sex marriage ceremonies.

“It’s meant to be the day when you feel most at home,” he said, expressing regret that he could not marry in the presence of friends and family in the UK. His experience reflects wider identity tensions for clergy trying to reconcile faith with personal life.

Bishop Joanne Grenfell remarked on the overwhelming demands of coordinating such a vast coalition. “Perhaps a bit too big for one person,” she said of the Archbishop’s role, voicing support for a more shared, collaborative leadership model.

Looking Forward With Uncertainty

The Anglican Communion Office clarified that any proposed restructuring would not eliminate the historical significance of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Instead, the responsibilities could be repositioned across regions for greater inclusivity and participation.

Bishop Nick Baines emphasized that the Archbishop holds no papal infallibility, differing from Catholic leadership structures. Still, he cautioned that whoever takes office next will “inherit a broken Communion.”

As reform discussions continue, the future of one of Christianity’s largest denominations hangs in balance. For now, leaders across continents face the complex task of redefining unity without abandoning identity.