The following FAQ seeks to help ADOC parishioners understand recent news within the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) regarding the multiple allegations against Archbishop Steve Wood and his current inhibition. Our goal is to provide clarity about what has happened, how our Province is responding, and how we—as followers of Jesus—can respond.
1. What is happening?
On October 23, 2025, The Washington Post reported that Archbishop Steve Wood, leader of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), is the subject of a formal presentment—a canonical complaint alleging sexual misconduct and other violations of church canons.
Summary of Allegations
The presentment, filed October 20, 2025, centers on claims by Claire Buxton, a former children’s ministry director at St. Andrew’s Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Buxton alleges that between 2021 and 2024, Wood made inappropriate comments and gestures toward her, culminating in an unwanted advance in April 2024, when he allegedly attempted to kiss her.
She also reported receiving about $3,500 in unsolicited payments from church funds over a 13-month period.
Additional accusations in the presentment include plagiarized sermons, bullying of staff, and misuse of church resources.
- On November 7, 2025, The Washington Post reported that a second woman had come forward with allegations of sexual harassment, and the presentment was amended to include her affidavit and additional testimony from former colleagues.
Wood has stated he believes the allegations “lack merit” and has expressed trust in the ACNA’s canonical process.
2. What is the ACNA doing about it?
Upon receiving the presentment, ACNA initiated its disciplinary process, referring the case to a Board of Inquiry to determine whether an ecclesiastical trial is warranted.
November 4, 2025, the ACNA reported that Archbishop Wood took a voluntary, paid leave of absence from his roles as Archbishop and Bishop of the Carolinas. Bishop Ray Sutton, Dean of the Province, was appointed to oversee the Archbishop’s duties during the investigation. To help ensure objectivity in the proceedings, Bishop Sutton formally recused himself from all matters pertaining to Archbishop Wood’s Board of Inquiry and any subsequent disciplinary process, according to the ACNA.
Bishop Sutton appointed Bishop Julian Dobbs, who is serving as Dean of Provincial Affairs, to form a three-member panel of bishops to represent Bishop Sutton in any action he may be required to take in the disciplinary process against Archbishop Wood. This newly formed panel will review and approve the composition of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) to ensure its impartiality, and receive its report.
Wood also announced his retirement as rector of St. Andrew’s, describing it as previously planned.
November 16, 2025, Bishop Julian Dobbs, with the written consent of the five senior diocesan bishops of the College, determined by date of admission, Bishop Julian Dobbs inhibited Archbishop Stephen D. Wood from the exercise or ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in North America, in accordance with the canons of our Church. This inhibition does not determine guilt or innocence, nor does it pre-judge any allegation or any step that may follow. The 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 inhibition document may be found here: [link to inhibition document].
As stipulated in the Constitution of the Anglican Diocese of the Carolinas, Bishop David Bryan, as Bishop Suffragan, is now assuming the duties of Acting Bishop of the Diocese of the Carolinas for the duration of this period.
The ACNA has emphasized that Archbishop Wood is accountable to the same canonical standards and disciplinary process as any other leader accused of misconduct.
The Province stated that it remains committed to:
A rigorous, fair and transparent process under Title IV of the Constitution and Canons.
Ongoing Title IV reform to improve clarity and consistency in disciplinary matters.
A posture of truth, accountability, fairness and care for those affected.
Upholding best practices in safeguarding throughout the Church.
December 3-4, 2025, The ACNA College of Bishops met Christ Church Cathedral in Plano, TX on December 3-4, 2025. The Bishops called for repentance, humility, and strengthened unity in leadership. This letter was released after their time together. Click Letter from Bishop Dobbs to read the letter from the College of Bishops.
December 12, 2025, The Board of Inquiry found that there is probable cause to present Archbishop Wood for trial for violation of Title IV, Canon 4, Section 6, and following other pertinent Canons. In ACNA governance, a presentment against a bishop is evaluated by a board of inquiry to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to the Court for the Trial of a Bishop, Click Board-of-Inquiry-Archbishop-Wood Memorandum to read the letter from the Chairman of the Board of Inquiry.
January 17, 2026, The College of Bishops met in Melbourne, FL. Read their press statement here: January 17, 2026 College of Bishops Statement
April 21, 2026, The Anglican Church in North America Announces Court Update and Trial Date for Archbishop Stephen D. Wood
Mt. Pleasant, SC — The Anglican Church in North America’s (ACNA) Court for the Trial of a Bishop has posted an update regarding the disciplinary proceedings in the case of Archbishop Stephen D. Wood. The notice announces that his ecclesiastical trial is scheduled to begin on July 20, 2026.
The Court has not yet issued any information about the estimated length of the proceedings.
Three canonical charges were brought against Archbishop Wood in a presentment submitted to some members of the College of Bishops on October 20, 2025. The charges include Violation of Ordination Vows (Canon IV. 2.1. 3), Conduct giving just cause for scandal or offense (Canon IV. 2.1. 4), and Sexual Immorality (Canon IV. 2.1. 6). Additional details about the allegations and events related to the trial of Archbishop Wood are available on the Archbishop Wood Updates and Information Page.
The Court clarifies that a Summons was issued to Archbishop Wood on February 23, 2026. It has also received an Answer and a Motion to Dismiss from Archbishop Wood, and has agreed to hear arguments on that motion on May 7, 2026. “We are grateful to the Court for its diligent work in this matter,” said the Right Reverend Julian Dobbs who serves as Dean of the Province. “I ask that our clergy and lay members join me in earnest prayer that God, in His wisdom and providence, would bring a just and righteous resolution, that His Church would be preserved in truth and unity, and that all parties involved would know His grace.” The Court for the Trial of a Bishop is an independent, judicial body elected by the Provincial Council every three years. It is composed of three bishops, two clergy, and two lay members in good standing. The current President of the Court is The Right Reverend Ryan Reed, Bishop Ordinary of the Anglican Diocese of Fort Worth, and the Presiding Officer of the Court is Ms. Katie Grosskopf, Esq.
April 27, 2026, The Court posted a notice (dated April 24, 2026) that the Provincial Prosecutor filed two procedural motions with the Court for the Trial of a Bishop. The motions center on concerns arising from the Respondent’s choice of legal representation and request the Court to take certain procedural actions to ensure a fair trial. Neither motion calls into question the integrity of the Court or its current members. The Court will consider these motions at a hearing on May 7, 2026, and, if necessary, at a later hearing on May 20, 2026.
Media Contact:
Senior Communications Mgr
Marion Ahlers
mahlers@acna.org
June 4, 2026, The Court for the Trial of a Bishop posted a procedural update about the hearings held on May 7 and June 2 (rescheduled from May 20, 2026).
A hearing was held by the Court on June 2 on four separate motions.
These motions included two from the prosecutor:
– motion to reestablish fairness
– motion to allow the college of bishops to observe the trail
And two from the respondent:
– motion to dismiss
– motion for a camera trial
The court is deliberating over these motions and will post its rulings once both parties receive written orders on the motions.
June 10, 2026, The Court for the Trial of a Bishop ruled on a Motion for an In Camera trial, a Motion to Re-establish Fairness on the Court, and a Motion to Dismiss. The Court posted a Procedural Update summarizing these decisions. The decisions are as follows:
– Respondent’s Motion for In Camera Trial was GRANTED
– The Province’s Motion for the College of Bishops to Observe the Trial was DENIED
– Respondent’s Motion to Dismiss was DENIED
– Respondent’s Supplementary Motion to Dismiss was DENIED
– The Province’s Motion for the Court to Re-establish Fairness, etc. was GRANTED IN PART.
The Court made a specific finding that no statute of limitations exists in the Canons of the Anglican Church in North America for claims brought in the presentment of a bishop or archbishop.
With respect to the Motion for the Court to Re-establish Fairness, etc., the only relief granted was that the Court will issue a letter for the parties to provide to witnesses and anyone who comes forward to clarify the Court’s intent in seeking information in this matter. The question of disqualification of the Rev. Cn. Jeff Weber became a moot point when Canon Weber withdrew from representation of the Archbishop before the Court on May 29, 2026.
June 20, 2026, Anglican Church in North America announces key governance decisions from Provincial Council 2026 and court announces delay of trial for Archbishop Stephen D. Wood
The Provincial Council of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) concluded its annual meeting in Tulsa, taking several significant actions that will shape the life and mission of the Province. It subsequently received an administrative schedule update from the Court for the Trial of a Bishop.
On June 19, 2026, the Court for the Trial of a Bishop officially issued a Notice of Trial Reset in the matter of The Most Rev. Stephen D. Wood, Archbishop of the ACNA and Bishop of the Diocese of the Carolinas. To better fulfill its goal of providing a full and fair adjudication of the allegations in this matter, the Court has reset the trial date to begin on October 26, 2026. The administrative notice was signed and finalized by The Right Rev. Ryan Reed, President of the Court, and Katherine R. Grosskopf, Presiding Officer. No further comment was provided.
This announcement comes on the heels of a historic and mission-focused Provincial Council, which gathered at Cornerstone Tulsa from June 17-19, 2026. The Provincial Council, which serves as the governing body of the Church with authority to approve canonical amendments and establish programs and budgets, completed several major actions during this year’s session.
July 7, 2026, St. Andrews Mount Pleasant rector, The Rev’d Canon Randy Forrester, along with Vestry Warden, Mike Hughes, sent out the following letter in response to the latest update from the court:
| Dear St. Andrew’s Family, In a continued effort to keep you informed, we are writing to share that the Court for the Trial of a Bishop has again moved the trial date for Archbishop Steve Wood. The date is now September 7-12, 2026 with an extension to September 21-26, if necessary.
You may have read or heard that the Court for the Trial of a Bishop publicly reported that it received complaints from the Prosecution “about the lack of cooperation from the Archbishop’s home parish and that witnesses are afraid to come forward” in their June 30, 2026 “Procedural Update and Statement of the Court.” We understand this may have caused concern, and we want to offer some clarity. These were complaints reported by the Prosecution—not findings made by the Court itself—and we do not believe they accurately reflect the ways our leadership has cooperated throughout this process, with the involvement of the Rector, Senior Warden, COO, and Vestry. We were disappointed that the Court did not reach out to us directly before including such language in a public statement. From the beginning, we have responded to inquiries from both the Provincial Prosecutor and attorneys for the defense, and we remain committed to continued cooperation.
We also want to speak to the concern about witnesses. Please be assured: from the time the allegations were made against Steve Wood, we have communicated to our staff that they are under no obligation or pressure from the leadership of St. Andrew’s to offer or withhold testimony in these matters. Their continued employment is not threatened, no matter what choice they make. No one should feel afraid. It is also important to know that in this ecclesiastical trial, unlike a civil or criminal trial, no one can be compelled to testify. It is entirely a matter of conscience. I (Randy) have encouraged the staff to prayerfully consider their choices and I respect each person’s individual discernment in this matter and encourage others to do the same.
Our Vestry has sent a letter to the Court expressing our concern about their public comments, offering clarification, and asking that they issue a corrective public statement. We want you to know that St. Andrew’s has been, and will continue to be, cooperative in this matter. We share fully in the Court’s stated goal “to facilitate a fair trial that will enable the truth to come into the light and a just verdict as a result.” Truth and justice are what we all seek.
Please continue to pray for all involved – those who have brought allegations, for Steve Wood and his family, for the Court, and the entirety of our St. Andrew’s family. Peace in Christ, |
The Rev’d Canon Randy Forrester Rector, St. Andrew’s Church |
Mike Hughes Senior Warden for the Vestry |
3. What does this mean for ADOC?
We are grieved by these allegations and remain committed to cultivating safe, healthy and trustworthy communities. As the body of Christ, we have a spiritual mandate to protect those most vulnerable and to ensure the welfare and safety of all people at our churches. We strive to foster a healthy and nurturing environment in which every person can grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray for truth to come to light, and for justice and healing for all involved. We commend the clergy, people, and ministries of the diocese to your prayers, asking the Lord to grant them His peace, His steadfast love, and His grace to endure in these difficult days.
On December 10, 2025 the Clergy met at the Cathedral Church of the Apostles for a day of prayer and fasting. The day included the reading of scripture, times of reflection, praying The Great Litany and Holy Communion.
4. What actions have the ADOC Standing Committee taken?
June 2026:
Read the ADOC Bishops and Standing Committees most recent letter to the diocese here.
November 2025:
At our November 17 meeting, the Standing Committee voted to:
Send an updated and expanded request to the Board of Inquiry assessing the allegations against Archbishop Steve, asking that they hire a third-party investigative firm that has experience conducting trauma-informed assessments, is fully independent and not beholden to attorney-client privilege, and will maintain strict protections on confidentiality and alleged victim-identity Click here for Board of Inquiry Letter.
Recommend the Governance Task Force hire an outside consultant to help review and give feedback to Title IV revisions. Click here for the Governance Task Force letter.
Encourage the College of Bishops to invite Rachael Denhollander to their January meeting to speak about organizational health as it relates to matters of reporting and responding to abuse allegations. Click here for Dean of the Province Letter.
We also accepted the resignation of the Rev. Josh Fink from the Standing Committee, whose final few months of his term coincided with a full season of family life. We unanimously commended him for his work on the committee.
All letters have been sent as of 11/21/2025. The Standing Committee met Monday, Dec. 1 and will meet again January 5, 2026.
5. How should we respond as parishioners?
We invite parishioners to respond with:
– Compassion: Hold space for those who are hurting or confused.
– Restraint: Avoid speculation or rumor; wait for the completion of the Church’s canonical process.
– Faith: Remember that our hope rests not in human leaders but in Jesus Christ.
If you wish to reference this news publicly, you might use language such as:
“After recent allegations involving abuse of power and unwanted sexual advances, including a second complaint of sexual harassment received last week Archbishop Steve Wood was inhibited on Sunday, November 16, 2025. We grieve this news and pray for truth, justice and healing for all involved. The Church has a God-given responsibility to nurture and protect His people, especially those who are most vulnerable and in need of protection.”
6. What if I or someone else in our community has experienced harm?
You are not alone.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, misconduct, or harm within a church setting:
– Call 911 or contact local law enforcement or child protective services if the situation involves current abuse or minors.
– After contacting authorities, report the incident through ADOC’s Reporting Portal.
ADOC is committed to ensuring that every person is safe, heard and cared for. You can also reach out to your local rector, who can connect you with trauma-informed pastoral care, counseling or professional support.
7. How should we engage on social media?
Please approach online engagement with wisdom and discretion.
– Avoid speculation or commentary about the ongoing investigation.
– Focus posts on prayer, compassion and the gospel.
8. How can we pray?
We invite all ADOC members to join in prayer for:
– Truth to be revealed in full.
– Healing for those who have been harmed or affected.
– Wisdom and courage for ACNA leaders as they shepherd through this process.
– Renewal of Christ’s Church in humility and repentance.
Join others across the Province who are fasting and praying on Fridays during this season.
9. Where can I report misconduct?
–ADOC’s Reporting Portal–
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5
This page will be updated with the latest information as soon as it becomes available. Parts of this page were adapted with permission from C4SO.