The Archbishop of Canterbury has been denounced as the head of the global Anglican church by leaders from around the world.

It comes following the decision by the Church of England to allow the blessing of same-sex couples in civil partnerships.

The Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches says it now no longer considers Justin Welby to be leader of the global communion and has "disqualified" the Church of England as its "mother church".

The compromise ruling by the General Synod - which is the Church of England’s legislative assembly - approved the blessing of same-sex couples in England, although not for them to be legally married in churches.

The issue has divided the Anglican church with some saying the General Synod has gone too far and others, not far enough.

Since its formation in 1867, the incumbent Archbishop of Canterbury has taken the role of spiritual leader with "moral authority" of the Anglican Communion, which is a fellowship of 42 Anglican churches around the world.

But now archbishops representing 10 of the 42 provinces worldwide have rebelled over the decision.

The signatories include the GSFA's chairman, Archbishop Justin Badi of South Sudan, along with the archbishops of Chile, the Indian Ocean, Congo, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Uganda, Sudan, Alexandria and Melanesia.

In a statement they say they are "no longer able to recognise the present Archbishop of Canterbury as the first among equals leader of the global communion".

"The Church of England has chosen to break communion with those provinces who remain faithful to the historic biblical faith," the statement adds.

"Despite our differences, we must find ways to continue walking and working together...."

A Lambeth Palace spokesman said it "fully appreciates" the GSFA's stance but added the "deep disagreements" among Anglicans over sexuality and marriage are long-standing, and that reforms in one province do not affect rules in the others.

They added: "In a world of conflict, suffering and uncertainty, we must remember that more unites us than divides us.

"Despite our differences, we must find ways to continue walking and working together as followers of Jesus Christ to serve those in need."