The first ever African to hold the post as the secretary general of the Anglican Communion is stepping down from his role.

As his seven-year term comes to an end, Most Rev Dr Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon said it had been a “privilege and honour” to serve in one of the most senior leadership roles of the Anglican Communion.

Being able to witness the creation of four new provinces and developing personal relationships with bishops around the Communion, were among his highs during his time.

When Archbishop Josiah took up the role in 2015, he shared that his prayer was to become a “bridge-builder”. When asked if that prayer had been answered, especially during the Lambeth Conference, he said: “It is being answered.”

“Let me share: even amongst those who had made up their mind not to take communion. I can tell you that at least a bishop shared with me of his conversation with one of the bishops that chose to abstain from the Eucharist and through their discussion, he changed his mind and partook of the Eucharist. Because it’s the Eucharist, it is not what I gave you, it is the body out of our Lord and, Jesus Christ by faith, which is not what Josiah does.

“It is the giver, who is Christ and I felt that was a high point for me and this bishop shared it with me in the presence of another Archbishop. So my prayer is being answered.”

Archbishop Josiah will now take on a role in the Anglican Diocese of Texas, he will become an assistant bishop focusing on mission and evangelism, church growth and global partnership.

He will be succeeded by Most Rev Anthony Poggo, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s current adviser on Anglican Communion Affairs.

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