Archbishop of Rwanda Elected New Chairman of GAFCON
The Most Revd Laurent Mbanda, Archbishop of Rwanda who recently visited the Church of Ireland, the only Anglican Church in the British Isles that has not endorsed same-sex relationships, was elected Chairman of GAFCON beginning at the expiration of Archbishop Foley Beach’s term in June.
The Archbishop, who has been serving as vice-chairman of GAFCON, is to be followed by the Primate of the Anglican Church of Brazil, the Most Revd Miguel Uchoa, and a co-vice chair, the Most Revd Kinishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney.
Beach’s term as Primate of the Anglican Church of North America expires in June. ACNA Primates and GAFCON leaders cannot serve successive terms of office. The Archbishop will remain as Bishop of the Diocese of the South.
Delegates to GAFCON IV were informed of the selection 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, was not in attendance at the closing service due to the death of his eldest son (Eddie) in the United States. The Mbanda family had spent several years as refugees in the USA and their children live there. His son died in his sleep.
The Most Revd Ben Kwashi, retired Archbishop of Jos (Nigeria) remains General Secretary of GAFCON, charged with the day to day oversight of the organization.
