Anglican Church in North America Leader Suspended Amid Allegations
The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) faces a significant leadership challenge as its archbishop, Stephen Wood, undergoes temporary suspension from ministerial duties. This development comes amid an investigation into accusations against him.
Archbishop Stephen Wood has been restricted from performing ordained ministry functions for a period of 60 days, according to a Notice of Inhibition issued by the church leaders. This action follows his own decision to step aside temporarily as the inquiry unfolds.
The ACNA’s Dean, the Right Rev. Julian M. Dobbs, emphasized that the inhibition should not be interpreted as an assumption of guilt or innocence. “It does not determine guilt or innocence, nor does it pre-judge any allegation or future proceeding,” he clarified.
Support for this decision came from five senior bishops, including the Most Rev. Foley Beach and the Right Rev. Eric Menees, highlighting a collective effort to maintain integrity during the investigation. The Anglican Diocese of South Carolina’s Standing Committee had previously advocated for such a measure to ensure the investigation proceeded without disruption.
The allegations, initially brought to light by The Washington Post, involve claims of sexual misconduct and abuse of power during Wood’s tenure at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. Claire Buxton, a former ministry director, reported inappropriate advances by Wood, including unsolicited physical contact and financial gifts from church funds leading up to the alleged incidents.
In response, a group comprising four presbyters and seven laity members filed a formal complaint, triggering a board of inquiry to delve into these serious claims. Meanwhile, the Most Rev. Ray Sutton has been appointed as interim overseer of the archbishop’s office. In a statement, Sutton assured that the Provincial staff would continue their duties, urging the community to be prayerful: “Please hold all these matters in your prayers,” Sutton wrote, echoing the sentiment of unity and resilience.
Founded in 2009, ACNA was established by former members of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, and it now encompasses over 1,000 congregations with a membership exceeding 130,000. The current investigation marks a pivotal moment for the relatively young denomination as it navigates these complex and sensitive allegations.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
