Global South is a term frequently used these days by journalists and bloggers commenting on Anglican Communion issues. It seems at first glance to be a geographical term. But that\u2019s not so. It is really a theological term used by conservative Anglicans, coming mainly from the developing world, to describe themselves. It is much more elegant and apt than the term \u201d\u02dcThird World\u2019 which Anglican leaders from the developing world always disavowed as demeaning.<\/p>\n
There now exists a Global South Network which is making its presence forcefully felt, especially through its leaders\u2019 presence in Anglican Communion primates\u2019 meetings.<\/p>\n
Some \u201d\u02dcliberal\u2019 commentators I have read from the US occasionally use the term \u201d\u02dcAkinola-ites\u2019 when referring to Global South leaders. It implies they are all simply doing what the Primate of Nigeria, Archbishop Akinola, tells them to do. In itself, that term is a put-down and akin to racism, for it refuses to accept the theological acuity, Christian leadership and strategic skills of these leaders. For example, call any of those primates an \u201d\u02dcAkinola-ite\u2019 and you are failing to recognise the scholarship, pastoral experience, leadership skills and biblical commitment of each one in his own right. No one, not even a brother primate, tells any of them what to do!<\/p>\n