ACNA Update Information Session | November 30 at 9 AM
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with a heavy heart that I share this update with you, concerning allegations made against The Rt. Rev. Stephen Wood, archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), the Anglican province that our diocese and church are a part of.
Abp. Wood has been temporarily suspended (inhibited) from the exercise of ordained ministry in the province, after being accused of sexual immorality, violation of ordination vows, and bringing “scandal,” including abusing his ecclesiastical power. Abp. Wood’s inhibition does not determine guilt or innocence, nor does it pre-judge any allegations or future proceedings. The provincial canons provide for the imposition of an Inhibition when it is determined to be in the best interests of the Church to do so.
The complaints against Abp. Wood were officially submitted on October 20 when a group of ten ACNA members, both clergy and laity, filed a presentment with the province. According to published reports in The Washington Post, the presentment included allegations sexual harassment of a church employee, bullying staff, and plagiarizing sermons while serving as rector of St Andrew’s Mount Pleasant in South Carolina and bishop of the Diocese of the Carolinas.
On November 3, Abp. Wood announced in a letter to the ACNA membership that he was taking a voluntary leave of absence, stepping aside from his official duties and responsibilities as archbishop and bishop of the Diocese of the Carolinas. In the same letter, he wrote, “I believe the charges against me lack merit, and I categorically and emphatically deny the particular accusation of attempted physical contact made against me by a former St. Andrew’s employee.” Also on November 3, Abp. Wood sent an email to St Andrew’s Mount Pleasant that announced that he was moving forward with a previously planned retirement from serving as their rector after holding that post for 25 years.
On November 6, the group of clergy and laity filed a second presentment with the province, which contained allegations from a second woman who accused Wood of sexual misconduct. It also contained an affidavit from a former provincial employee who accused Abp. Wood of repeated attempts to deceive and manipulate leaders and staff.
According to provincial canons, when church members bring a presentment against a bishop, a Board of Inquiry is formed to investigate the matter and decide whether the charges merit an Ecclesiastical Trial. - https://anglicanchurch.net/accountability-and-discipline/
A Board of Inquiry has been formed and now we will have to wait and see how they respond to the presentment made against Abp. Stephen Wood. As we wait, please pray.
I understand that this situation is concerning and that it raises all kinds of questions, as well as emotions. We are going to make space for those questions and feelings on Sunday, November 30 at 9 AM. We will gather in Stiller Hall for a question and answer time and to spend time in prayer concerning this situation.
Bishop Dan Gifford, diocesan bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Canada, recently sent out A Call to Prayer that you can use to help you pray. Please click the link below.
It grieves me deeply that I need to write this letter to you, as it reveals the brokenness within the church. We need to remember that Jesus is alive and He is building His church, and the gates of hades will not prevail against it. We need to repent of sin, turning away from all that is false, sinful, and evil, and turn to the Lord of grace who has rescued us from darkness. And we need to pray that the Lord would empower us to cultivate loving, safe communities where people can grow in their relationship with Christ, unhindered by the threat of harm. Please join with me in prayer.
In Christ,
Ben+