JAFC Bishop Repudiates Ill-Founded Characterization of Bishop Derek Jones
- Charles Perez
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
EXCLUSIVE REPORT
By Bishop Michael R. Williams
October 1, 2025
Bishop Derek Jones is neither a "scoundrel" nor a "villain"; and I take profound offense at such an unfair and ill-founded characterization. I deem such a characterization of Bishop Derek to be an appalling spiritual abuse of the highest order from a person in ecclesiastical power, a presumptive judgement upon our beloved Bishop without due process; and, given what I am witnessing, I fully expect to be on the receiving end of retribution as a result of saying so.
I know Bishop Derek rather to be a highly respected man, full of God the Holy Spirit, and of uncompromising integrity. He is a "Chairman Emeritus for Life" of the National Conference for Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF), Executive Director of Chaplain Alliance (CALL), and a nationally recognized Subject Matter Expert on Religious Liberty and Religious Liberty matters; a nationally engaged and highly respected leader for Religious Freedom. There is no stronger advocate for our Chaplains and for the right to Freedom of Religion than Bishop Derek Jones.
Bishop Derek is also one of the strongest, most well differentiated Christian leaders I have had the honor of knowing in my 58 years as an Anglican Christian and 35 years of ordained ministry. He is not afraid to call out heterodoxy. And regarding his practice of holding those under his authority accountable to godly and canonical standards, in my experience, any accusation that he has ever disciplined a priest for a minor infraction, or no reason is patently false. He Always, rather, bends over backwards to ensure anyone accused of anything is not disciplined without just reason and overwhelming evidence.
Bishop Derek loves and is devoted to our Lord Jesus. He loves our Lord’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. And he loves, sacrificially, all our Anglican Clergy-Chaplains and Lay Commissioned Chaplains and their families, for whom he continues to pray unceasingly, and for whom he will always do everything in his power to encourage, guide, protect, and prosper in ministry, with everything he has, and all for the Glory of God in Christ Jesus our Risen Savior and King.
The Rt. Rev. Michael Williams is Assisting Bishop in the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy
Both Bishop Jones and Bishop Williams were very kind to me when I've interacted with them.
That said, that they resist investigation on disturbing charges by fleeing and evading is disappointing.
I love them both. This is a painful time.
This is more damage control by Derek Jones.
The truth is that he is an ecclesiastical thug who abused his authority. Does he enjoy hurting people when they are going through difficult times? Ask those who brought complaints to the ACNA Archbishop and I think it’s clear.
Sounds like he avoided due process by leaving ACNA and trying to take others with him. Also sounds like there are credible reasons to investigate. It doesn’t mean he is presumed guilty but should be willing to be examined like any other clergy.
Ezekiel 34