The Anglican Communion
The Instruments of Communion
The ‘Instruments of Communion’ exist to promote unity and collaboration in the Anglican Communion. The ACO serves each of the instruments and organises relevant meetings. The instruments are The Anglican Consultative Council, The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Primates’ Meeting and The Lambeth Conference.
The Anglican Consultative Council (ACC)
The Communion’s most representative body, uniquely composed of bishops, clergy, and laity from each province. It meets approximately every three years to facilitate cooperative work, coordinate common action, and develop shared policies on matters like world mission and ecumenical relations.
The Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is a focus of unity in the Anglican Communion. Working collegially, alongside other Anglican Primates around thew world, the Archbishop of Canterbury exercises a ministry that strengthens the Communion’s ‘bonds of affection.’
The Primates’ Meeting
A gathering of the Primates (the senior archbishops, presiding bishops, or moderators) of the Anglican Communion’s member churches. Established in 1978, it provides a vital forum for prayer, conversation, Bible study, and fellowship, allowing leaders to guide the Communion’s mission and unity.
The Lambeth Conference
An international gathering of Anglican bishops from around the world, convened approximately every ten years by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
It is a forum for deliberation on church and world affairs, shaping the global mission of the Communion for the decade ahead.
