Allegations Surface Against Anglican Church of North America’s Archbishop
In a report that has sent ripples through the Anglican Church of North America, Archbishop Steve Wood, the denomination’s leader, confronts serious accusations of misconduct. The charges, made public by The Washington Post, involve sexual harassment, bullying, and plagiarism, and have been endorsed by at least 10 signatories within the church.
One of the most alarming allegations comes from Claire Buxton, a former children’s ministry director at St. Andrew’s Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where Wood serves as rector. Buxton told the Post that Wood attempted to kiss her in his office in April 2024. She claims that prior to this incident, Wood had given her over $3,000 from church funds. Additionally, concerns were raised by church employees regarding Wood’s “excessive praise and fondness” for Buxton. Allegations of sermon plagiarism and staff bullying have also been levied against Wood.
The formal complaint, known as a presentment, was delivered to Wood and other bishops, citing breaches of ordination vows, conduct causing “scandal or offense,” and sexual immorality. In response to these charges, Wood stated, “I do not believe these allegations have any merit,” expressing his trust in the church’s canonical process to resolve the matter.
Buxton also shared that Wood’s inappropriate behavior toward her began in fall 2021, including monetary gifts, affectionate nicknames, and offers of luxury trips. In April 2024, when she confronted Wood about his actions, he allegedly attempted to kiss her. “It’s just bizarre to me how far we — the Anglican Church in North America and its leadership — have gotten away from basic morals and principles,” Buxton remarked to the Post.
Further complicating matters, a 2019 letter from a rector within Wood’s diocese questioned Wood’s moral authority, accusing him of preaching non-original sermons, cursing at colleagues, and misusing church assets like a $60,000 truck.
In the wake of the presentment, denominational officials requested the signatories re-sign the document under penalty of perjury, a move the authors of the presentment declined, citing it as unnecessary according to the church’s bylaws.
The Anglican Church of North America, a denomination established in 2009 with roots in a split from the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church in Canada, has faced previous controversies. In 2021, allegations emerged against Mark Rivera, a former lay leader, for sexual abuse. Rivera has since been convicted of serious charges, including felony sexual assault.
Other bishops within ACNA have also faced scrutiny. In 2020, a bishop was defrocked for pornography use, and in 2024, Bishop Todd Atkinson was ousted for inappropriate relationships. Recently, Bishop Derek Jones left the denomination amid misconduct investigations, leading to legal actions over trademark issues.
Since assuming leadership, Wood has advocated for transparency and implemented measures to safeguard against abuse. He hired a director of safeguarding and canonical affairs and supported a proposed overhaul of misconduct protocols, slated for a vote next year, with potential implementation in 2027.
Wood emphasized at a recent Town Hall, “Discipline in the church is one of the most important things that we can give our attention to, our minds to,” underscoring the denomination’s commitment to addressing misconduct.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
