Archbishop Titus Chung has become the first prominent conservative Anglican leader to raise concerns over the recently proposed Global Anglican Communion. In a statement signed by Chung and issued by the bishops of the Province of the Anglican Church of South East Asia, the province stressed the need for “prayerful discernment” before endorsing the initiative announced by GAFCON nearly two weeks ago.
While the bishops acknowledged the proposal as a “significant moment” for the Anglican world, they emphasized that any structural change must be weighed carefully. This cautious stance reduces the likelihood of Chung attending the upcoming Global Anglican Communion’s Council of Primates, scheduled for early 2026 in Nigeria.
Concerns Over Church Unity and Structure
The bishops highlighted serious theological and structural implications associated with the GAFCON communiqué. They raised questions about the Instruments of Communion and their role in church governance and unity. Stressing the importance of canonical procedures, the bishops said they would consult with their Provincial Synod and Standing Committee before making any decisions.
Though they affirmed GAFCON’s theological convictions—especially its commitment to Scripture and traditional marriage—they stopped short of endorsing immediate action, instead calling for broad engagement within their province.
Strong Support for Orthodoxy, Yet Reluctance to Break Communion
Despite their resistance to doctrinal shifts, such as the Church of England’s 2023 decision to bless same-sex unions, the Southeast Asian bishops reaffirmed their commitment to remaining within the Anglican Communion. They condemned the blessings as unbiblical but rejected calls to sever ties, urging unity where possible.
Chung’s predecessor, Archbishop Melter Tais, also resisted radical breaks. Neither leader supported past GSFA statements rejecting Archbishop Justin Welby’s leadership, marking a consistent pattern of cautious engagement rather than schism.
GSFA’s Deliberative Pace vs. GAFCON’s Urgency
Chung and other Southeast Asian leaders hold key roles in the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA), which has taken a more methodical approach to reform. They are active in the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals for Communion restructuring, which will be reviewed next summer.
Their deliberate pace contrasts with GAFCON’s more urgent strategy, reflecting broader tensions between the two conservative Anglican groups. A GSFA insider noted the Fellowship has no immediate plans to comment on the Communion launch, emphasizing its consultative ethos.
Source:
GSFA Leader Questions GAFCON Communiqué
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