ACNA archbishop faces trial over misconduct
The Anglican Church in North America’s Board of Inquiry said Friday it found probable cause for formal charges against Archbishop Stephen Wood—including sexual immorality, violating ordination vows, and conduct giving just cause for scandal/abuse of ecclesiastical power—sending the case to a church trial. Wood, suspended since November and denying wrongdoing, has been temporarily replaced by Bishop Julian Dobbs for archbishop duties and Acting Bishop David Bryan in the Diocese of the Carolinas; ACNA counts about 130,000 members in roughly 1,000 U.S. and Canadian congregations.
📌 Key Facts
- Board of Inquiry ruling announced Dec. 12, 2025, referring charges to a church trial
- Charges: violation of ordination vows, sexual immorality, and abuse of ecclesiastical power
- Leadership interim: Bishop Julian Dobbs assumes archbishop duties; Acting Bishop David Bryan oversees Diocese of the Carolinas
📊 Relevant Data
The Episcopal Church has lost 23 percent of its members in the past 10 years, a rate that is accelerating.
Episcopal Church omits membership total in annual report — The Christian Post
The Anglican Church in North America reported a membership increase of 1.5 percent to a total of 130,111 members.
ACNA Sees Multi-Year Growth — Anglican Ink
Nearly 200 Christian leaders were accused of child abuse in 2025, according to a report highlighting ongoing issues in faith communities.
Nearly 200 Christian leaders accused of child abuse in 2025, says report — Premier Christian News
Among US religious leaders, identifying as White is associated with higher support for LGBQ+ issues compared to non-White leaders.
The State of LGBQ+ Support: Correlates, Predictors, and Congregational Moderators of a National Sample of US Religious Leaders — Sexuality Research and Social Policy