The Anglican Consultative Council – 2026
June 27 – July 5, 2026 – Belfast, Ireland
The 19th meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council
The 19th meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-19) will gather bishops, clergy, and lay representatives from across the globe in Belfast, Ireland.
Themed “Called to One Hope,” this important international gathering will explore how the Church can share the reconciling love of Christ in a fragmented world. Every Member Church of the Anglican Communion is entitled to send up to three representatives to participate in these vital discussions, ensuring a rich diversity of voices from across the Communion.
ACC-19 is hosted by the Church of Ireland and facilitated by the Anglican Communion Office (ACO), operating as the official Secretariat to the Anglican Communion.
Core Purpose
The Anglican Consultative Council exists to strengthen bonds of friendship and facilitate the cooperative work of member churches worldwide. It advises on Communion structures and develops common policies to guide global mission, advocacy, and vital ecumenical matters.
An Instrument of Communion
Serving as one of the four Instruments of the Anglican Communion, the Council works alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Primates’ Meeting, and the Lambeth Conference. Together, these bodies support Christian unity and serve the shared life of the Church.
Resolutions
Gathering every three years, the Council provides a vital space for theological reflection, fellowship, and conversation. The programme dedicates time to Bible study, receiving updates from Member Churches, and passing resolutions that help Anglicans collaborate in mission and ministry.
Chair of the Anglican Consultative Council
Canon Maggie Swinson, Church of England
Vice-Chair of the Anglican Consultative Council
Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Primate of Jerusalem & the Middle East
Programme & Preparation
Bible Study
A central feature of the gathering will be daily Bible study focusing on Acts 15.1–16.5 and Ephesians 4.1–16. These inspirational passages will guide participants in exploring the life of the early church and Christ’s enduring call to unity and mission today.
Global Conversations
Dedicated sessions will provide a collaborative space for Anglicans to share ideas on key areas of mission and advocacy. These conversations will cover vital topics such as peace, discipleship, migration, the environment, and science and faith.
The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals
A significant focus will be the discussion of The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals. Developed by the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO), this work is intended as an offer to help churches navigate differences and sustain unity.
Pre-Event Briefings
To assist in preparations, members are invited to a schedule of online meetings. These include general updates hosted by the Secretary General and other ACO staff, alongside specific theological briefings focusing on The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals.
Looking ahead to ACC-19
The Anglican Communion eagerly anticipates welcoming all representatives to Ireland in 2026. ACC-19 is an important opportunity for the ACC members from the diverse Anglican family to join in consultation, prayer, and fellowship.
In a fractured world, and an often divided church, the Anglican Communion is such a profound gift. As I begin my ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury, I am so grateful for this global community of Anglicans, all bound by our shared faith in Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to spending time at the Anglican Consultative Council with bishops, clergy and laity from across the world, celebrating our common ministry, enriching one another’s faith, and looking for new ways to walk together. In this spirit of collaboration, I return to my favourite proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’. I believe that by working together, and with God’s help, the Anglican Communion can offer good news to a world in great need. I also look forward to considering IASCUFO’s Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, as we seek to respond to God’s call for the Church to be one and explore ways of walking together to the highest degree possible.
The Anglican Consultative Council plays an important role in the life of the Anglican Communion, gathering representatives from our diverse Anglican family for consultation, prayer and fellowship. The Church of Ireland is looking forward to being the host Province for the meeting of ACC-19 in 2026 and we will continue to pray for all those that will take part. May it be a fruitful opportunity for Anglicans to be together in God’s presence as a community within the body of Christ and to discern God’s will for His Church in our day, so that we may be equipped by the Spirit to respond to the needs of the world.
In our polarised world, it can be easy to feel – even in the Church – the impetus toward division and separation. But Christ calls his Church to unity. When Christians find ways to walk together across deep disagreement and difference, there is so much we can do to impact the world for good. As we prepare for ACC, I look forward to sharing the fruit of IASCUFO’s labours as presented in The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals and our supplementary paper. In the power of God’s Spirit, I pray that we may have the courage and honesty to attend to deeply held disagreements within our Communion, with the conviction and obedience to respond to Christ’s call.
We look forward to collaborating with the Church of Ireland, as it hosts this important gathering. We are in contact with all the churches of the Communion as plans take shape. I encourage every church to send members to participate in the important discussions of ACC-19.
