Clarity and Candor amid Clandestine Claims
- Charles Perez
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
Sept. 24, 2025
JAFC Refutes False Narrative from ACNA Archbishop's Office
PELHAM, AL – The Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy® (JAFC) issued a statement in response to a press release from the Office of the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). The JAFC notes that the Archbishop’s letter presents a false and misleading account of the events concerning both the JAFC and Bishop Derek Jones.
Inaccurate Account of Events
The letter from the Archbishop's office inaccurately portrays the sequence of events and conflates distinct matters. Most notably, it misrepresents the relationship between the JAFC and the composition of the ACNA’s Title I, Canon 11. It was mutually understood and agreed upon during the JAFC’s transition from the Church of Nigeria to the ACNA that Canon 11 would be inoperative. This agreement was made in recognition of the JAFC's unique history and structure, which was established in 2007, prior to the formation of the ACNA.
Charges Against Bishop Derek Jones
Rather than relying on the Archbishop’s unsubstantiated narrative, the JAFC's Executive Committee encourages the public and fellow clergy to view the linked video below. In this video, Bishop Jones directly addresses the charges against him, providing a chronological, transparent, and factual account of the situation. Bishop Jones has consistently stated his full cooperation with any lawful investigation or accountability process. His only requirement is that such proceedings be conducted in accordance with established legal and canonical norms.
Refusal of Reconciliation
Several ACNA Bishops reached out to Bishop Jones, requesting that he consider having a conversation with Archbishop Wood with the aim of initiating reconciliation. Bishop Jones readily agreed, encouraging these ACNA Bishops to move forward. Regrettably, Archbishop Wood vehemently refused their requests for attempts toward reconciliation.
Contact:
JAFC Communications Office
Boy, the JAFC's "refutation"of the Archbishop's communication is a white-hot diatribe, long on emotion, laced with intemperate accusations and demonizations, but woefully short on documentable facts. A really ugly piece of work. An embarrassment from what seems to be a group of individual Christian clergy who have withdrawn from ACNA. Christian clergy!!
I was particularly caught by the following (unsubstantiated,"using their terminology) assertion by JAFCthat
"Most notably, it [the Archbishop's statement] misrepresents the relationship between the JAFC and the composition of the ACNA’s Title I, Canon 11. It was mutually understood and agreed upon during the JAFC’s transition from the Church of Nigeria to the ACNA that Canon 11 would be inoperative."
Title I, Canon 11 is an integral part…