from AAC
As the GAFCON Council continued its work in Abuja on the third day of meetings, bishops and Anglican leaders from across the Global Communion gathered for worship, teaching, and strategic discussion centered on the future of faithful Anglican witness. The day’s sessions emphasized a clear message: the future of Anglican unity must remain grounded in the authority of Scripture, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a renewed commitment among orthodox churches to walk together in faithfulness.
The morning began with a sermon from the Most Rev. Michael Fape, who preached from the book of Joshua and issued a direct challenge to those gathered. Drawing on Joshua’s call to Israel to choose whom they would serve, Archbishop Fape urged Anglican leaders to make a clear and faithful commitment to the gospel. “We must make a choice of whom we will serve,” he said, warning that compromise with false teaching ultimately undermines the church’s witness. He reminded the council that only a godly generation can faithfully “contend for the faith once delivered to the saints,” and that obedience to God’s Word cannot be treated as optional for those called to lead Christ’s church.
The first plenary was delivered by Bishop Manasseh Gahima of Rwanda, who spoke about the importance of consistency and integrity in the life of the global church. Bishop Gahima reminded the council of GAFCON’s long-standing commitment not to financially support, or receive financial support from, structures that have promoted theological revisionism within the Anglican Communion. For GAFCON churches, he said, the marks of their fellowship have been a shared love for the gospel, commitment to one another, and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of faithfulness. “It is common sense,” he said, “that those who believe the same things should connect and move forward together.” He also cautioned that meetings and institutional relationships are not neutral. They communicate legitimacy and shared purpose. As a result, he urged churches to exercise discipline and clarity in their partnerships, ensuring that fellowship is grounded in shared commitment to the historic faith.