SOUTH CAROLINA: ACNA Bishop Calls for Archbishop Wood to be Inhibited
- Charles Perez
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
By David W. Virtue, DD
November 13, 2025
The ACNA Bishop of South Carolina Chip Edgar has called for the inhibition of ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood, following revelations that include sexual misconduct, abuse of power and plagiarism.
In a letter to his diocese Edgar said, “I want to clarify my support for the Complainants in the matter concerning Archbishop Wood and I have urged the senior bishops to call for Archbishop Wood’s inhibition.”
Bishop Edgar said that it was not true that complainants had gone to the press before they initiated the disciplinary process.
“I’ve written to the College of Bishops explaining to them that, for over six months the complainants sought a way forward, following the canonical structures of the Anglican Church in North America. I and several other bishops were involved at this preliminary stage. Throughout their efforts, they were stymied by a system that appeared unable to do what it is designed to do. I’ve asked the College for a unified, public apology for these disparaging statements.”
Edgar apologized for his lack of support of the Presentment to the complainants. “I assured our clergy, and want to assure our whole diocese, that I support these men and women in their efforts. I acknowledge it didn’t always seem like I did—I’ve apologized to them and sought their forgiveness, which they have generously given—but I do. Those who brought these charges forward are credible and trustworthy, and the charges they bring are serious. They must be investigated fully, until a trial court can determine guilt or innocence.”
Edgar said that calling for an inhibition of the archbishop makes no judgment as to the guilt or innocence in the face of charges, rather it is an acknowledgement that continued ministry in the face of serious charges further damages the reputation of the Church.
END
As I look at the landscape of the College of Bishops, there seems to be two alternative responses to the total train wreck at the top of ACNA...one is to not say anything. The ship is taking on water and the bilge pumps aren't working and there is not a word of encouragement, explanation, or vision being offered the clergy to pass on to their parishioners. Appears "the ACNA" is already out of business in those dioceses. The second option is for bishops to make some dramatic statement to get their name out there and position themselvesd to be the next victim of a dysfunctional organization as its Primate, their ego trumping their reason.
When a bishop calls for the inhibition of an archbishop, it is not a political act but an ecclesial necessity. Bishop Edgar is doing what every shepherd must do when trust in the system has been strained: he is protecting the flock by insisting that the process be allowed to work without the shadow of authority hovering over it.
Inhibition is not a verdict. It is the simple recognition that the Church’s witness cannot endure ambiguity at the highest levels. To allow an archbishop to continue in active ministry while serious allegations remain unresolved is to burden every parish, every clergyman, and every layperson with uncertainty that is not theirs to carry.
What I appreciate most in Bishop Edgar’s statement…