A New Season for Bishop Donison

Posted on November 8, 2026 
Filed under GAFCON, Global Anglican Communion

From Archbishop Dr Laurent Mbanda:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

With gratitude to God for His faithfulness and appreciation for his dedicated service, I wish to communicate that the Rt Revd Paul Donison has concluded his service as General Secretary of the Global Anglican Communion, following his election as Bishop of the Diocese of Western Gulf Coast in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).

Following prayerful consideration and consultation, Bishop Paul discerned a call to this new ministry, and we rejoice with him in his election.

This new responsibility will also involve bringing the Diocese of Western Gulf Coast together with the Great Plains Missionary District, an important undertaking that will require his focused leadership, energy and commitment, particularly in advancing the work of church planting and gospel formation.

On behalf of the Global Anglican family, I wish to express our deep appreciation for Bishop Paul’s faithful and committed service over the past three years.

His contribution to strengthening our global fellowship, advancing the vision of the Jerusalem Declaration, and championing biblical Anglicanism across the continents has been significant and greatly valued.

Having worked closely with Bishop Paul over these past three years, I also wish to express my personal appreciation for his friendship, partnership and dedicated service. I will personally miss his presence and close collaboration in the office of General Secretary.

We have shared important moments, challenges and opportunities in serving our global Anglican family, and I am deeply grateful for the commitment and wisdom he has brought to this work. 

Bishop Paul has affirmed his continuing commitment to GAFCON and the wider Global Anglican family.

His transition from the office of General Secretary should therefore not be understood as a departure from the vision, convictions or fellowship we share, but rather as a new opportunity to serve the same gospel mission in a different sphere of ministry.

As we mark this transition, let us give thanks for his service, celebrate what God has accomplished through him, and pray for His continued grace and blessing upon Bishop Paul, his wife and family, and the people he is now called to serve in this new responsibility.

Our intention is to leave the position of General Secretary vacant until the next regular cycle of GAFCON leadership appointments at GAFCON V in April 2028. This will provide continuity and stability as we prepare for the Assembly, allowing us to maintain our present direction and priorities and build on the momentum already established.

During this period, the responsibilities of the General Secretary will be carried forward collectively by our existing leadership and Secretariat. 

This shared approach will ensure that the work of the Communion continues with strength, unity and purpose as we move towards GAFCON V.

May the Lord continue to strengthen us in our common calling, keep us united in the truth of His Word, and advance His mission through our shared commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ,

The Most Revd Dr Laurent Mbanda
Chairman, Global Anglican Council
8 November 2026

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