A note on the accusations against ACNA Archbishop Wood

This morning the Washington Post published an article detailing a number of accusations of misconduct against the ACNA's Archbishop, Steve Wood. The accusations are serious and are being taken seriously by the Provincial authorities.

You can read the article here.

I plan to comment on the situation on Sunday, but for now three things I'd like to note here briefly:

1. This news is, at minimum, disheartening and a cause for grief. You are not alone if you also find yourself angry, confused, or embarrassed by it. I feel all of those things.

   
   

2. Please join me in the coming months in praying for justice to be done and for the truth to be brought into the light, whatever it might be.

   
   

3. This kind of thing is an occasion for us all to renew our own commitment, individually and as a community, to humility and integrity (cf. Luke 18:9-14).

I also imagine many of you are not entirely familiar with the role of the Archbishop within our province. Here are some answers to questions I suspect some of you have.

1. Who is Archbishop Wood?

   Archbishop Steve Wood is the "presiding" bishop of the whole of the ACNA. The ANCA (Anglican Church in North America) is the "province," or region of the globe, within which our diocese (the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic) resides.

2. What relationship does Archbishop Wood have with All Souls?

   As the Archbishop of the Province (i.e., the ACNA), Archbishop Wood represents the ACNA around the globe, ordains bishops, leads the College of Bishops, and in a variety of ways is invested with the most authority of any cleric in the Province.

   He does not exercise direct authority over All Souls (that falls to our Diocesan Bishop, Chris Warner).

3. What does this mean for All Souls?

   Nothing with respect to our day-to-day life together. Should the Provincial investigation lead to a trial or some other outcome by which Archbishop Wood no longer holds that position, the Province would need to elect a replacement.

Again, this is terrible news I am very sad to deliver. As ever, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

With great affection for you all,

Fr. Danny