PRESS RELEASE

August 25, 2025

From the Standing Committee, Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic

To the leadership and people of Incarnation Anglican Church, Williamsburg, VA

We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic has been closely following recent events at Incarnation Anglican Church. Our hearts go out to you as we continue to pray for a successful outcome to your unsettling turmoil. We were grateful to hear a report at our meeting this week from a Sunday morning visitor who described a joyful, Christ-filled and energetic worship service. We were most encouraged!

We are aware of several reports circulating rather publicly about recent events at your congregation and want to clarify a few things. First, we have been assured by the Provincial Office that there are no disciplinary actions of any sort pending against Bishop Warner, nor is he the subject of any investigation.  We are grateful for the gentle and godly way he pastorally cares for our diocese and particularly the care he has provided to Incarnation Anglican Church.

Second, we emphasize that although DOMA as a diocese supports ordination of women to the priesthood, there is not, nor has there ever been, any movement to impose that view on any of our congregations or clergy. In 2017, the ACNA College of Bishops affirmed that there is room for differences of conviction and practice regarding women and Holy Orders: there is space for each perspective, and “we commit to move forward in unity” (9/8/2017 statement). Obedience to their decision to commit to move forward in unity is part of our life in DOMA, and this shared commitment enables us to remain one body even amid differing convictions. We are blessed with many gifted women serving in leadership across DOMA, and we give thanks for their presence among us. At the same time, we recognize and honor clergy and laity who hold differing views on women's ordination, knowing that faithful Christians may disagree on this matter. Bishop Warner has never sought to place a female rector in any congregation against its will, nor do we have any reason to believe he would do so.

Many distorted and misleading allegations have been leveled against both Incarnation and our Bishop, whose integrity has been impugned. As much as this grieves us, however, we choose not to refute them point by point in this letter. Instead, in the conciliatory and hope-filled work of the cross, we seek to move forward with you to what the Lord has in store for Incarnation. We celebrate both what He has done and what He will do in your dear part of the Body of Christ. We will continue to pray for you as you search for a permanent rector. Please be assured of our prayers and affection for you as you continue this journey of transition.

In Christ,

The Standing Committee

Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic