It has met every three years since 1971. Members represent all the inhabited continents and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. At least on member was prevented from attending the council by a government. Nigeria's military rulers seized the passport of Chief Ajayi, a lay delegate from Lagos. The country has been blacklisted by the Commonwealth for failing to accept the results of democratic elections and for executing some of its critics.
Bishops still dominate the council.
Bishop Chiwanga also hinted at one of the biggest issues facing the council, grappling with reduced funding. He said Canadian primate Archbishop Michael Peers would help the council decide what it can afford to do in the next few years. Although the council has no governing authority, it is regarded by Anglicans as one of the three main focuses of authority and unity in the worldwide Anglican Church. At the opening, the council welcomed two new provinces, Mexico and South East Asia. Provinces are geographic regions in the church, headed by a chief bishop called a primate, and usually comprised of several dioceses.