Speaking in his Easter message, delivered at a service broadcast live on UBC TV, NBS TV, Church of Uganda Family TV, and Namirembe FM, Kazimba described the scale of the gathering. “The conference, hosted by the Anglican Church of Nigeria, brought together 347 Anglican bishops and 121 clergy and lay leaders from 27 provinces across the Global Anglican Movement,” he said. His own delegation comprised 41 bishops, six clergy, and five laity.

The G26 gathering, held March 3-6 in Abuja, was a specialised bishops conference — not a full GAFCON Assembly. GAFCON’s own communications in May 2025 described it as a “specialised conference” distinct from its five-yearly assemblies, noting that the next full assembly, GAFCON V, is scheduled for Athens in 2028. The March gathering was convened by Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda, then Chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council, who in December 2025 announced that invitations had been sent to 500 delegates across the global Anglican family.

Archbishop Kaziimba’s figures correspond exactly to those in the Abuja Affirmation, the communique issued on March 6 and signed by Archbishop Mbanda as Chairman of the newly constituted Global Anglican Council. The Affirmation opens: “Greetings from Abuja, Nigeria where 347 Anglican bishops and 121 lay and clerical Anglican leaders from 27 provinces met from 3-6 March 2026, generously hosted by our brothers and sisters in the Church of Nigeria.”

Kazimba described the principal institutional outcome of the conference. “The GAFCON Primates Council was transitioned into the newly established Global Anglican Council, which will bring together primates, advisors, and guarantors to provide the oversight and the recognition of provinces and dioceses within the emerging Global Anglican Communion,” he said. He named the new Council’s officers: Archbishop Mbanda of Rwanda as chair, Archbishop Miguel Uchoa of Brazil as deputy chair, and Bishop Paul Donison as General Secretary. Donison’s March 5 communique, issued the day before the Abuja Affirmation, confirmed those appointments and stated that the terms of all three “will conclude at the end of GAFCON V in Athens in 2028.”

The Abuja Affirmation sets out the basis and mandate of the new body. The Council “will acknowledge and welcome existing provinces and dioceses who desire to participate in the Global Anglican Communion, and will be responsible for inviting new Primates to a seat on the Council” as well as authenticating “newly formed provinces and dioceses who seek recognition as Global Anglicans.” Membership of the Council consists of three categories of voting member: primates, advisors, and guarantors.

The Affirmation’s section on “Principled Disengagement” states that leaders holding office in the Global Anglican Council must not attend future Primates’ Meetings called by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lambeth Conference, or Anglican Consultative Council meetings, and that office holders who “continue to participate in any Canterbury Instruments will not be able to continue in this role.”

Archbishop Kaziimba connected the conference’s work directly to the Easter season. “The fellowship, which began within the Holy Communion service, continues to play a significant role in shaping what many have described as reordering of the Anglican Global Structures,” he said. He placed the gathering within a wider account of conflict and Christian witness. “I want to invite you to pray for the Middle East,” he told his congregation. “The situation is not good. It can affect all of us.” He connected the regional war to its effects closer to home: “I understand now the prices of gas has gone up. Even where I come from, from Rubukonjo, the banana prices have gone up. And I ask, ‘Why?’ They say because of the war in Middle East. So, all of us are equally affected.”

Following the Abuja conference, Archbishop Kaziimba travelled to Cairo on March 7 to attend the Global Council meeting of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund, where he serves as a trustee. He noted the Fund’s work in Uganda, including emergency response at the Nakivale refugee settlement, support to Sebei diocese for a medical facility, and a commitment to fund the Mama Margaret Kazimba Health Facility in Mityana-Mukono diocese, with the first phase expected to be commissioned later this year.

The Easter message was delivered to the Church of Uganda’s annual Easter gathering and broadcast across multiple Ugandan national television and radio networks.

Anglican Ink
George Conger

Seoul Cathedral first opened its doors in Jeong-dong, Seoul, on May 2, 1926. The Romanesque-style cathedral was designed by British architect Arthur Dixon. “The first consecration service was held in the darkness of Japanese colonial rule, prayers continued amid the gunfire of the Korean War, and the cathedral has witnessed God’s presence through the turbulent periods of industrialization and democratization,” the Anglican Church of Korea said of the cathedral’s history.

The Thanksgiving Eucharist on May 3 will begin with 100 bell tolls honoring the past century. The ceremony will proceed with a ritual opening of the cathedral doors as on the first day of consecration, followed by a procession in which believers of all generations enter the cathedral step by step. The service will be concelebrated by successive bishops of the Seoul Diocese. At the commemorative ceremony held the same day, a newly crafted commemorative cross—based on the crosses distributed to believers at the cathedral’s consecration 100 years ago—will be presented to congregants as a symbol of the centennial.

“The 100th anniversary Thanksgiving Eucharist is not simply an occasion to celebrate a long history,” said Father Park Sung-soon, the cathedral’s chief priest. “It is a moment to stand in gratitude before the history of grace that God has accomplished through this cathedral, while also responding to the call of a new century.”

The Thanksgiving Eucharist and commemorative ceremony are open to all, regardless of religious affiliation.

Seoul Economic Daily

Anglican Ink

Lee Jae-yong

In an exclusive statement to Anglican.Ink, Bishop Bell said the move confirms that hopes for a return to what he described as the clear teaching of Scripture have not been realized, and that a new wave of clergy and laity is now likely to leave.

The Church in Wales is about to lose another tranche of clergy, lay leaders and church members after its decision to make permanent a service of blessing for same-sex couples. Many left at the beginning of the experimental period of provision in 2021 whilst others have been waiting to see if the passage of five years would be sufficient to bring the church back to the clear teachings of Scripture on the subject of human relationships. Clearly not.

Archdeacon Andy Grimwood warned the Governing Body of the Church in Wales quite prophetically that pain lay ahead if they ignored the views of orthodox members both in Wales and the Global Anglican Communion. Regrettably, they deliberately and dismissively voted against the Bible.

What makes it hardest of all to bear is that it doesn’t have to be like this, although at least the Anglican Convocation Europe is here to welcome all those who can no longer bear the direction of travel of the Church in Wales.

Stuart Bell, Assistant Bishop in the Anglican Convocation Europe  

The Governing Body’s decision formalizes a provision first introduced on an experimental basis in 2021. While some left at that time, others remained in the Church in Wales in the expectation that the measure might not be made permanent.

Warnings about the consequences of such a move were raised during the debate. Archdeacon Andy Grimwood told members that proceeding without regard for orthodox Anglicans in Wales and across the wider Communion would lead to division. Bishop Bell’s statement indicates that those concerns are now being realized.

The Anglican Convocation Europe (ACE), with which Bishop Bell is associated, has signaled that it is prepared to receive clergy and congregations seeking alternative oversight. His remarks present ACE as an option for those who conclude they cannot remain under the Church in Wales’ current direction.

The vote places the Church in Wales alongside other Anglican provinces that have authorized blessings for same-sex couples, a development that continues to deepen divisions within the Anglican Communion, particularly among provinces that maintain traditional teaching on marriage.

Further departures and realignments are expected in the months ahead.

George Conger

Anglican Ink

Preaching on Sunday, 19 April 2026, at the installation of the Rev Canon Michael Mukhwana as Archdeacon of St John’s, Makerere University, Archbishop Kaziimba addressed comparisons with Luwum directly. “Some people have approached me saying, ‘Why don’t you do like Janani Luwum?’” he said. “The man did a great job—the man who was killed. Do you think I can make an impact by being killed? … Don’t I have a family? Why don’t you be sensitive?”

“I have a life to live,” he continued. “I’m not your saviour to carry all your problems. You take them to the Cross. I do my part and leave it to God.”

The Archbishop framed his approach in biblical terms, contrasting what he described as the “Nathan approach” with the public witness of John the Baptist. Referring to 2 Samuel 12, he said the prophet Nathan’s private confrontation of King David achieved repentance, whereas John the Baptist’s public rebuke of Herod led to his execution. “You can do God’s work by approaching power with love, quietly,” he said. “Not every time that we use one approach.”

His remarks come amid renewed debate in Uganda over the role of religious leaders in public life following the January 2026 general election, in which President Yoweri Museveni secured another term. Opposition figures and civil society actors have alleged ongoing human rights abuses, including abductions, unlawful detention, and restrictions on civil liberties. In recent days, the late Kalangala Woman MP Helen Nakimuli—who died on 19 April—had called on clergy to “speak truth to power,” a comment widely circulated on social media.Reaction to Archbishop Kaziimba’s sermon has been mixed. Some commentators have criticised what they view as caution or silence, while others have defended a strategy of engagement that avoids public confrontation.

The legacy of Archbishop Janani Luwum continues to shape these expectations. Luwum, who served from 1974 to 1977, was arrested after protesting against killings and abuses under Idi Amin’s regime and was murdered on 16 February 1977, in what was officially described as a car accident but is widely regarded as an assassination. He is commemorated as a martyr across the Anglican Communion, with a statue at Westminster Abbey and an annual public holiday in Uganda. The Church of Uganda marked the 49th anniversary of his death in February 2026.

Archbishop Kaziimba has, at various points, spoken against violence and so-called “drone abductions,” and in his role as chair of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has called for peace, dialogue, and restraint during electoral periods. His comments at Makerere indicate a continued preference for what he presents as pastoral and strategic engagement rather than public denunciation.

Elected in 2019 and enthroned in March 2020, Archbishop Kaziimba is the ninth primate of the Church of Uganda. A former Bishop of Mityana, he is associated with a conservative theological outlook and an emphasis on evangelism, biblical teaching, and provincial self-reliance. Under his leadership, the Church of Uganda—one of the largest provinces in the Anglican Communion—continues to navigate the demands of public witness in a politically sensitive context.

The question of how the Church should speak in moments of national tension remains unsettled. Archbishop Kaziimba’s remarks suggest a deliberate choice of method rather than a withdrawal from engagement, even as debate continues within Uganda and across the wider Communion.

George Conger

Anglican Ink

Akinlade gave the warning during the third session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese, held at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Aiyetoro, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

He expressed concern over what he described as “unprecedented political alignments and defections,” noting that the trend largely driven by personal interests could steer the country toward a one-party dominant system.

According to him, such a development would be detrimental to the growth and sustainability of democracy.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti Anglican Diocese of the Church of Nigeria has also called on Nigerians to embrace godly parenting, uphold electoral integrity, and demand improved security measures.

The call formed part of the resolutions reached at the third session of its 20th Synod, which also marked the Diocese’s 60th anniversary.

The Synod, held at the Ekiti Diocesan Camp Ground (Ile Adura), brought together over 700 participants, including clergy, laity, and church leaders. It was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, Andrew Olusola Ajayi.

The gathering emphasised that raising Godfearing children is both a spiritual and societal responsibility, urging parents to prioritise discipline, intentional Christian upbringing, and mentorship as essential tools for shaping future generations.

The Synod also stressed the need for credible elections and strengthened security as key components for national development.

The appeal formed part of the resolutions reached at the third session of the 20th Synod of the Diocese, which also marked its 60th anniversary.

The Synod, held from April 10 to 12, 2026, at the Ekiti Diocesan Camp Ground (Ile Adura), brought together over 700 participants, including clergy, laity, and church leaders. The gathering was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, Andrew Olusola Ajayi, and featured sermons, Bible studies, and discussions led by Anglican bishops from across Nigeria.

In a communiqué jointly signed by Taiwo Olatubosun and Emmanuel Faramni Ojo, the Synod highlighted its theme, “Children Are the Heritage of God” (Psalm 127:3), describing it as timely in light of growing moral challenges facing young people.

The Synod emphasised that raising God-fearing children is both a spiritual and societal responsibility, urging parents to prioritise discipline, intentional Christian upbringing, and mentorship.

On national issues, the Diocese commended the Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts but called for greater transparency, equity, and accountability. It also urged that savings from the removal of fuel subsidies be judiciously reinvested to ease economic hardship on citizens.

Expressing concern over rising insecurity, including kidnappings and violent attacks, the Synod called for a more proactive and robust response from government and security agencies. It also welcomed international collaborations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework and offered prayers for peace in troubled regions globally.

On electoral matters, the Synod advocated for the electronic transmission of election results as a key step toward ensuring credible polls ahead of the 2027 general elections. It further urged anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts against vote-buying and called on electoral and security institutions to remain neutral and professional.

The group also condemned acts of violence and intimidation reportedly used by some individuals to force others to adopt different religious beliefs.

Speaking during the 36th Mothers’ Union Annual Conference themed “God’s Mercy Is Unlimited,” held at the Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Anglican Church in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, the Diocesan President, Oluwatoyin Kehinde Fape, called on all levels of government to urgently address the growing loss of lives linked to insecurity.

She criticised what she described as dangerous attitudes that devalue human life based on religious or ethnic differences.

“The union condemns the ungodly patterns that lead some groups to regard others as less human and less valuable. It has become painfully clear that there is a deliberate and systematic attempt to exterminate Christians in Nigeria,” she said.

Fape added that the union stands in solidarity with affected Christian communities and urged the government to take decisive action to end violence and protect citizens.

The association also expressed concern over the continuous decline in national security, warning that the situation appears to be worsening.

“The nation seems to be plunging further into this societal crisis,” she noted.

In her goodwill message, Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, who served as the Mother of the Day, commended the choice of theme for the conference.

She emphasised that every individual, regardless of status, age, or background, is a beneficiary of God’s mercy and benevolence.

The conference brought together members of the Mothers’ Union and other stakeholders to reflect on faith, societal challenges, and the need for collective action in addressing national issues.

The visit, which took place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, was part of activities lined up for the forthcoming Synod of the Diocese.

Speaking during the visit, Bishop Familoni commended the Nigeria Police Force for its role in maintaining law and order across the country, particularly in Oyo State. He praised the dedication, resilience, and patriotism of officers and men of the force.

The cleric also acknowledged the leadership contributions of former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the current Inspector General, Olatunji Disu, for their commitment to national security.

He further appreciated the service of the immediate past Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, alongside the current Commissioner, Oluwagbenga, for their professionalism and dedication.

Bishop Familoni emphasized the Church’s willingness to continue supporting security efforts through grassroots engagement, moral guidance, and community sensitisation. He noted that faith-based institutions play a critical role in promoting peace and stability in society.

In his response, CP Oluwagbenga thanked the Bishop and his delegation for the visit, describing it as a show of goodwill and partnership. He acknowledged the Church’s contributions to community security awareness and its role in complementing the work of the police.

The Commissioner assured the Diocese of the Command’s readiness to collaborate effectively, particularly in ensuring safety during the forthcoming Synod and beyond.

The meeting ended on a note of mutual understanding, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained partnership in promoting peace, security, and development in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

In a letter signed by the Bishop on the Niger, The Rt. Rev’d Owen Nwokolo, dated April 27, 2026, currently circulating online, the Diocesan suspended Rev. Maduka as Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nteje, in Anambra State, for a period of six months without pay.

The Diocese said its decision followed “credible and verifiable reports” that the cleric allegedly orchestrated and manipulated prophetic acts by involving individuals he reportedly induced or paid, while presenting such actions as genuine manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

According to the letter, Rev. Maduka admitted to the allegations when confronted with the evidence. This act, the diocesan noted as grossly unbecoming of an ordained Priest of the Anglican Church.

“It has come to our attention, with deep sadness and grave concern, that you have been involved in practices grossly unbecoming of an ordained Priest of the Anglican Church. Specifically, credible and verifiable reports have been brought before us alleging that you engaged in arranged and manipulated prophecies by involving persons whom you induced or paid for that purpose, while presenting such acts as genuine prophetic manifestations from God.

“When you were confronted with the evidence made available to us, you admitted your involvement in the said unholy practice,” part of the statement read.

The Church described the conduct as “grossly unbecoming” of an ordained priest, citing concerns including false prophecy, deception of worshippers, and actions that could amount to obtaining money under false pretense.

“This development is particularly troubling because you had previously been commended to us as a priest of sufficient knowledge, good conduct, and sound doctrine. In order to be doubly assured, we personally engaged you on several occasions concerning your ministerial conduct and practices. On each occasion, you maintained that your ministry was in accordance with the teachings of Christ, the Holy Scriptures, and the ethos of the Anglican Church.

However, the recent revelations before us show that those assurances were false and misleading.”

Bishop Nwokolo noted that from the evidence available, Rev Maduka conduct raises grave ecclesiastical, moral, and disciplinary concerns, including involvement in false prophecy, abuse of the name of God, deception of the faithful and the general public, and conduct capable of amounting to obtaining money under false pretense.

The Diocese further stated that the priest’s actions violated Ecclesiastical moral, Christian doctrine, Anglican discipline, and ethical standards expected of a clergy, adding that they had brought disrepute to the Church.

“Your actions have brought dishonour to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, grieved the Holy Spirit, abused sacred trust, ridiculed the image of the Diocese, and given occasion for the enemies of the Church to speak reproachfully against the body of Christ.”

As part of the suspension, Maduka has been directed to hand over all church property and responsibilities to the People’s Warden and vacate the church premises within four days.

The Diocese also disclosed that a disciplinary panel will be constituted within one month to further investigate the matter and determine any additional sanctions in line with church regulations.

The letter ended with prayers for the Lord to have mercy upon him, grant him true repentance, and give him grace to amend his ways and serve Him henceforth with a sincere and faithful heart.

According to a statement released by the Diocese on Monday and made available to PUNCH Online, Fayemi made the remarks during the public presentation of the book titled “My Name is Peter.”

The event, held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Hall, attracted top Anglican clergy and laity.

Bishop Adebiyi, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 78, was widely recognised for his impactful contributions to the Anglican Church and national development.

Speaking at the event, Fayemi highlighted Adebiyi’s dedication to service, noting that even after surviving an attack by armed robbers, the late bishop remained committed to impacting lives and advancing God’s work.

As part of efforts to preserve his legacy, the Bishop Adebiyi Foundation was launched to support theological education in Nigeria.

The 320-page biography, written by veteran journalists Dare Babarinsa and Wole Adeyemo, was reviewed by the Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju, who emphasised the importance of documenting impactful lives.

Also speaking, the current Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, The Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, described Adebiyi as a selfless leader whose legacy continues to inspire the church.

Other speakers, including Chief Segun Osunkeye and Bishop Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, praised the late cleric for laying a strong foundation for the diocese and mentoring future leaders.

Adebiyi’s son, Canon Adedayo Adebiyi, also shared insights into his father’s passion for education, noting that his early struggles motivated him to invest in raising future leaders.

Dignitaries at the event further credited the late bishop for his significant role in supporting institutions like Ajayi Crowther University.