Leaders of the Global South have called for a review of Anglican Communion structure after one of the prominent figures of the movement described the Communion as moving "further and further into darkness".

The grouping met in Singapore from 19th to 23rd April for its fourth ‘South to South Encounter’, and the primates and archbishops present represented more than three quarters of the Anglicans in the world.

On the eve of the meeting, the Primate of Uganda, Archbishop Henry Orombi, wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury expressing his dismay at how the crisis involving The Episcopal Church in the US (TEC) had been handled.

The latest development was the confirmation by TEC bishops in March that a partnered lesbian would become a bishop in Los Angeles.

Mary Douglas Glasspool, 55, will be consecrated on May 15.

Archbishop Orombi's letter followed concerns raised by other Primates, also from the Global South.

The Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East, Archbishop Mouneer Anis, has resigned from the Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion, saying it "has no value whatsoever and my voice is like a useless cry in the wilderness".

The Primate of the Indian Ocean, Archbishop Ian Ernest, supported Orombi's call for a Primate's meeting and announced a withdrawal of fellowship.

"I feel constrained by my conscience to uphold my duty as shepherd of the flock and to forthwith suspend all communication, both verbal and sacramental, with both the TEC and the ACC "” their Primates, bishops and clergy," he said.

Photo: Archbishops Peter Jensen and Bob Duncan greeting other delegates at the Global South meeting

The Standing Committee and other bodies which are claimed to be part of the ‘instruments of communion’ came under criticism in the Global South meeting communique, titled ‘The Fourth Trumpet’.

“We uphold the courageous actions taken by Archbishops Mouneer Anis (Jerusalem and the Middle East), Henry Orombi (Uganda) and Ian Ernest (Indian Ocean) and are encouraged by their decision not to participate in meetings of the various Instruments of Communion at which representatives of The Episcopal Church USA and the Anglican Church of Canada are present. We understand their actions to be in protest of the failure to correct the ongoing crisis situation.” the communique said.

The statement concluded “Over the last 20 years we have been distracted by conflicts and controversies that have kept us from effectively fulfilling the Great Commission. While we have been so distracted, Christian heritage, identity and influence has continued to decline in the West.  We believe that there is a need to review the entire Anglican Communion structure; especially the Instruments of Communion and the Anglican Communion office; in order to achieve an authentic expression of the current reality of our Anglican Communion.”

(Photo Credit: Diocese of Singapore/Global South Website)