A New Anglican Denomination Emerges Amid Legal Dispute
In the midst of a contentious legal conflict, a group of chaplains has initiated a new branch within the Anglican tradition, called the Anglican Reformed Catholic Church (ARCC). This development follows tensions with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), leading to the establishment of ARCC as a nonprofit entity in Alabama.
Under the leadership of Bishop Derek Jones from the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC), the ARCC aims to embody “classic Anglican” values. According to Virtue Online, the new denomination cherishes a tradition “known and loved in the JAFC for nearly 20 years.”
The ARCC claims its roots in the reformative visions of Anglican figures like Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and Bishop John Jewel, emphasizing a faith committed to apostolic witness and rooted in ancient creeds. Its website describes the organization as a haven for those who seek Anglican tradition with firm doctrinal standards and accountability.
The newly formed denomination comprises three dioceses: the Anglican Diocese of Saint Andrew in the western U.S., the Anglican Diocese of Saint Martin Tours in the eastern U.S., and the JAFC itself.
This move comes as ARCC’s leadership is embroiled in a legal dispute with ACNA over the control of the JAFC, which was founded in 2014 to endorse Anglican chaplains. Tensions escalated when ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood accused Bishop Derek Jones of “abuse of ecclesiastical power,” though he clarified these accusations did not involve physical or sexual misconduct or doctrinal issues.
In response, JAFC dismissed these claims as part of “a targeted attack” by Wood due to Jones’ criticisms of the Archbishop’s management. A letter from JAFC Chairman David van Esselstyn announced the group’s separation from ACNA, requesting the denomination stop using JAFC’s trademark.
Contrarily, ACNA did not accept the disaffiliation and appointed new leadership for JAFC. This prompted JAFC to file a lawsuit against ACNA, alleging an attempted corporate takeover.
Recently, U.S. District Judge Bruce Hendricks in South Carolina delivered an order partially supporting JAFC’s request for a temporary restraining order against ACNA. Meanwhile, ACNA’s Board of Inquiry charged Bishop Jones with multiple violations of canon law, including “conduct giving cause for scandal or offense.” The case may proceed in absentia if Jones does not engage with the trial process, reports Anglican Ink.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
