GREENSBORO, NC: Cathedral Dean Fired over “failure of Leadership”

Dan Alger faces a formal disciplinary action overseen by the Rt. Rev. Neil Lebhar of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese

By David W. Virtue, DD

www.virtueonline.org

June 10, 2025

The Very Rev. Canon Dan Alger, Dean of the Cathedral at Redeemer Anglican Church in Greensboro, NC., has been laid off effective June 1, for what has been described as a “failure of leadership”. None of the failings were of a sexual, theological or financial nature and no canonical charges will be pursued, VOL was told.

Alger also served as Canon for Church Planting for the Anglican Church in North America, through which he led the Always Forward Church Planting Initiative. A spokesperson for ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood said Alger had stepped back from his provincial leadership position with Always Forward last Summer after Provincial Assembly (2024) to transition into his new role as Dean of the Cathedral at Church of the Redeemer in Greensboro, NC. Molly Ruch has been leading Always Forward since that time. He has not been employed by the province since last June.

Following a thorough investigation into complaints brought to the Diocese, Dean Alger was found to have had pastoral failings. It had been found that members of the church had been hurt under his leadership.

Diocesan Bishop Steve Breedlove of Christ our Hope and the Rt. Rev. Alan J. Hawkins, Bishop Ordinary recused themselves and delegated the Rt. Rev. Neil Lebhar, Bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese, to deal with the complaints brought against Dean Alger.

A canonical investigation team by Telios Law revealed multiple complaints from many people who were hurt by Alger’s abrupt decisions and lack of truly pastoral responses. Most of the complaints were former employees.

The report noted a high level of what it called “social contamination” namely many complainants regularly sharing individual grievances about Alger that had occurred.

Bishop Lebhar did not see that a clear canonical violation had occurred determining “a trial should occur.”

However, he did issue a “Godly Admonition” (ACNA Canon IV.2.2) that is canonically required, requiring the Rev. Alger get long term biweekly help from a licensed Christian counselor based on the pastoral failings contained in the Telios Law report.

The report describes Alger’s resistance to listen well to others; his defensiveness and lack of honesty when challenged; his focus on demanding unearned loyalty rather than on building trust; his lack of adequate pastoral concern for others; and a dangerous level of stress carried by him and affecting others.

The admonition will require Alger to take a leave of absence of at least one year from pastoral ministry. For his own healing and admitted struggling with stress, for the recovery of leadership, complainants and others in the congregation.

Alger has been warned against demeaning the complainants and witnesses. If the Godly Admonition is disobeyed, canonical charges for such disobedience could then be brought (Canon IV.2.1.12), said Lebhar.

“Because there will not at this time be a presentment and possible trial, Rev. Alger will not have any public opportunity to dispute the serious concerns raised by the Telios Law report. The report will remain confidential, the bishop said.

END