JAFC BISHOPS FORM NEW ANGLICAN DENOMINATION. The Anglican Reformed Catholic Church will be led by Bishop Derek Jones

SPECIAL REPORT

By David W. Virtue, DD

www.virtueonline.org

December 25, 2025

Anglican chaplains from the Joint Armed Forces Chaplaincy (JAFC) who were ousted from the Anglican Church in North America have formed a new Anglican denomination—the Anglican Reformed Catholic Church (ARCC)—dedicated to "preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The JAFC Bishops, in consultation with the Executive Committee and Futures Planning Group (comprised of staff and ministers at large), announced the establishment of the ARCC and incorporated it in Alabama as a new 501(c)(3) church organization. It will be led by JAFC Bishop Derek Jones.

Leaders describe the new alignment as "Classic Anglican."

"We live in the tradition and prayer book expression we have all known and loved in the JAFC for nearly 20 years," JAFC leaders told VirtueOnline. "It is Reformed and Catholic as Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Bishop John Jewel, Bishop Lancelot Andrewes, and other Anglican reformers envisioned—ancient in faithfulness to the witness of the Apostles and formulated in the ancient Creeds and Councils."

Three-Diocese Structure

The Church currently comprises three dioceses:

The JAFC remains intact, according to leaders. Bishop Mark Nordstrom and Bishop Marshall MacClellan will serve as eventual coadjutors and lead the JAFC, with Bishop MacClellan serving as the endorsement signatory.

The Anglican Diocese of St. Andrew will primarily serve churches in the western geographic regions. The diocese's initial founding church has elected Bishop Michael Williams to serve as their ordinary.

The Anglican Diocese of St. Martin will oversee eastern churches, with Archdeacon Basil Maduka serving as Vicar General. Current JAFC churches and missions, along with several new congregations, will be transferred to their new diocesan homes in the coming weeks, while chapels (non-permanent services) will remain with the JAFC.

"This is an exciting time, and we ask for your continued prayers and support. There is still much work to be done," leaders said. "Until the Provisional Canons are complete, the JAFC will continue to operate as everyone's home office. The Bishops and Executive Committee have appointed Bishop Jones to serve as the initial Bishop of the ARCC as we continue our formation work."

Challenges for ACNA

This development presents challenges for the small orthodox Anglican denomination. ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood faces presentment charges that could result in his removal from the church.

The recent trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch has received mixed reactions. Several ACNA clergy and a group of women believe the trial was biased in favor of Ruch's innocence, with only bishops determining the outcome.

The road ahead for ACNA appears rocky, and further schism cannot be ruled out. Whether this development is an isolated event remains to be seen.

END