Understanding Allegations & The Latest in ACNA

Updated November 21, 2025

The following FAQ seeks to help parishioners in the Diocese of Christ Our Hope (DCOH) understand recent news in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) regarding allegations against Archbishop Steve Wood and his inhibition. Our goal is to provide clarity about what has happened, how our Province is responding, and how we as followers of Jesus can respond.

1. What is alleged in the presentment against Archbishop Wood?

A presentment was filed to the ACNA College of Bishops by email on October 20, 2025, centered on claims by Claire Buxton, a former children’s ministry director at St. Andrew’s Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Buxton alleges that between 2021 and 2024, Wood made inappropriate comments and gestures toward her, culminating in an unwanted advance in April 2024, when he allegedly attempted to kiss her.
She also reported receiving about $3,500 in unsolicited payments from church funds over a 13-month period.
Additional accusations in the presentment include plagiarized sermons, bullying of staff, and misuse of church resources.
On November 7, 2025, The Washington Post reported that a second woman had come forward with allegations of sexual harassment, and the presentment was amended to include her affidavit and additional testimony from former colleagues.

2. What is a Presentment?

A presentment is a formal charge alleging a violation(s) of canon law. According to Canon IV.4.1, “A Bishop may be charged under Canon IV.2 by three Bishops of this Church with jurisdiction, or by not fewer than ten Presbyters [Priests], Deacons, or adult baptized members of this Church in good standing, of whom at least two shall be Presbyters. One Presbyter and not fewer than six lay persons shall belong either to the Diocese in which the alleged offense was committed or to the Diocese in which the Bishop is canonically resident.”
A Board of Inquiry is appointed to evaluate accusations included in a presentment against a bishop or, at a bishop’s request, to investigate rumors concerning him. The BOI determines whether there are reasonable grounds to put the accused to trial. According to Canon IV.4.3, a Board of Inquiry is composed of “five Presbyters and five adult baptized members in good standing, none of whom shall belong to the Diocese of the accused”. The Board of Inquiry is typically convened in strict confidence. Accused parties are usually notified once the Board of Inquiry has reached a determination about whether or not the charges merit further action.
The canons indicate that this responsibility falls to the Archbishop. In instances that involve allegations against the Archbishop, such as those that were recently submitted, the Archbishop may recuse himself and delegate this responsibility to the Dean of the Province or another delegate.
The length of time a Board of Inquiry deliberate before issuing its decision varies considerably based on the scope and nature of the charges being assessed, but a BOI process can range from a few weeks to 2-3 months. If a Board of Inquiry finds reasonable grounds for a trial, the Court for the Trial of Bishop is then convened. The Court will establish a date and any necessary guidelines for an ecclesiastical trial to address the charges outlined in the presentment.

3. How has the ACNA Provincial Leadership responded?

Upon receiving the presentment, ACNA initiated its response process, referring the case to a Board of Inquiry to determine whether an ecclesiastical trial is warranted.

On November 3, 2025, the ACNA reported that Archbishop Wood took a voluntary leave of absence from his roles as Archbishop and Bishop of the Carolinas. You can read the press release here. Archbishop Wood also announced his retirement here as rector of St. Andrew’s, describing it as previously planned.

Bishop Ray Sutton, Dean of the Province, was appointed to oversee the Archbishop’s duties during the investigation. However, on November 15, 2025, the College received the resignation of Bishop Sutton as Dean of the Province. His written statement can be found in this November 17, 2025 Press Release.

With the acceptance of Bishop Sutton’s resignation and following the consultation and unanimous affirmation of the ACNA College of Bishops, Bishop Julian Dobbs has been appointed as Dean of the Province. In addition, following a Presentment received by the College of Bishops, and with the written consent of the five senior diocesan bishops of the College, determined by date of admission, Bishop Dobbs has inhibited Archbishop Stephen D. Wood from the exercise of ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in North America, in accordance with the Canons of the Church, on Sunday, November 16. The inhibition document may be found here.

While an inhibition is a suspension from the exercise of ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in North America, this action does not determine guilt or innocence, nor does it pre-judge any allegation or any future proceeding. The ACNA has emphasized that Archbishop Wood is accountable to the same canonical standards and Title IV process as any other leader accused of misconduct. The Executive Director of the Province, released a statement here outlining ACNA's disciplinary procedures and governance by Title IV of our Constitution and Canons.

4. How is the DCOH Responding?

We are saddened by these allegations, but we remain dedicated to maintaining safeguarding systems and clear policies, processes, and procedures. We aim to foster a healthy, nurturing, and safe environment in each local church where every individual can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray for the truth to be revealed, and for justice and healing for everyone involved in this process.

The Diocesan College of Bishops released the following statement found here.

5. How should we respond as clergy and parishioners?

We ask all clergy and parishioners to be:

Compassionate: Hold space for those who are hurting or confused.
Fervent in Prayer: Offering intercessions for everyone involved.
Restrained: Avoid speculation or rumor; wait for the completion of the provincial process.
Faithful: Setting our eyes upon Jesus Christ and not leaders and institutions.
People of Service: Although this situation is sad and confusing, we need to continue to focus on extending the kingdom of God in our local churches.

6. How should we engage on social media?

Please approach online engagement with wisdom and discretion.

– Avoid speculation or commentary about the ongoing investigation.

– Focus posts on prayer, compassion, and the gospel.

7. How can we pray?

We invite all DCOH members to join in prayer for:

Truth to be revealed in full at the end of this process.
Healing for all those who have been affected.
Wisdom and courage for ACNA leaders as they shepherd through this process.
Renewal of Christ’s Church in humility and repentance.

Join others across the province who are fasting and praying on Fridays during this season.

8. Where can I report misconduct?
https://adhope.org/safeguarding/

9. How do I learn more about the DCOH Safeguarding Policies?

Please feel free to contact The Rev. Canon Sergio Sapunar at

https://adhope.org/safeguarding/