Three Crises Engulf Anglican Church in North America

COMMENTARY

By David W. Virtue, DD

www.virtueonline.org

October 23, 2025

Three simultaneous crises have engulfed the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), threatening the future of the breakaway orthodox denomination with an unprecedented convergence of scandals involving its highest-ranking leaders.

Archbishop Wood Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations

ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood has been credibly accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of power, according to a Washington Post investigation. The charges involve allegations of inappropriate conduct and questionable financial payments to a woman who is not his wife—Claire "Claire Bear" Buxton, 42. The accusations include an attempted kiss and financial irregularities that have sent shockwaves through the denomination.

A formal presentment accuses Wood of violating his ordination vows, committing sexual immorality, and bringing "scandal and offense" upon his office. Additionally, Wood faces separate complaints from priests alleging that he plagiarized sermons and bullied church staff members in the years preceding his election as archbishop.

According to the exclusive Washington Post report, Wood, 62, allegedly placed his hand on the back of Buxton's head and attempted to kiss her in his office in April 2024. The incident occurred just two months before his election to lead the denomination. Buxton, a former children's ministry director who spoke on the record to The Post, also claimed Wood gave her thousands of dollars in unexpected payments from church funds before the alleged advance.

Wood, a married father of four sons, continues to serve as rector of St. Andrew's Church in the Charleston, South Carolina area and as bishop overseeing a diocese of more than 40 churches across the South.

If the presentment triggers an ecclesiastical trial, Wood could face defrocking and removal from office. He would be the first ACNA archbishop to face such proceedings.

Wood declined to answer specific questions about the accusations but issued a statement saying he does not believe the allegations have merit. "I place my faith and trust in the process outlined in our canons to bring clarity and truth in these matters," he said.

Ironically, during his address at the church's annual governing meeting earlier this year, Wood emphasized growing attendance and new profitability while highlighting newly adopted safeguarding rules. "I take it seriously," he said. "It's why you're going to hear a lot about safeguarding from me this year."

In June 2024—two months after the alleged incident—the College of Bishops elected Wood as the denomination's third archbishop.

The Bishop Ruch Trial

The Wood scandal represents the latest in a series of crises for ACNA. An ecclesiastical trial is currently underway against Bishop Stewart Ruch III, the founding bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Upper Midwest, which oversees 18 churches across the region.

Parishioners and clergy have accused Ruch, 58, of allowing individuals with histories of violence or sexual misconduct to worship or hold staff and leadership positions within his diocese. Ruch was formally charged in 2022 with "habitual neglect of the duties of the bishop's office" and "conduct giving just cause for scandal or offense," both violations of ACNA canons.

Testimony concluded in mid-October and was conducted privately via Zoom. A verdict from the seven-member panel of judges—comprising bishops, priests, and lay parishioners—is expected later this year. Ruch has declined to comment.

JAFC Bishop Derek Jones Controversy

The denomination's third crisis involves Bishop Derek Jones of the Jurisdiction of Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC). Archbishop Wood issued Jones a "godly admonition" following accusations of ecclesiastical power abuse.

In a video statement addressing the charges, Jones maintained he was wrongfully accused of violating Title IV of the church canons and misusing Title IV disciplinary proceedings to manipulate clergy.

Multiple individuals accused Jones of serious infractions, including:

Backdating official church documents

Fabricating church documents

Wrongful discipline or attempted discipline of clergy

Interfering in employment opportunities

Misusing ecclesiastical authority to inflict financial, emotional, and psychological harm

One priest claimed Jones wrongfully released him from holy orders. Jones has vigorously denied all charges.

In response to the allegations, Jones withdrew the JAFC diocese from ACNA. However, the diocese disputes this action, arguing it is canonically impossible. The matter has escalated to secular courts.

There is considerable irony in the fact that both Wood and Jones now face accusations of abuse of power.

About ACNA

The Anglican Church in North America reports 130,000 members across more than 1,000 congregations in 49 states, though only 96,000 attend services weekly. ACNA is a constituent province of GAFCON, a global network of orthodox Anglican churches that separated from the Episcopal Church following the consecration of an openly gay bishop.

ACNA maintains that same-sex relationships are sinful and refuses to bless same-sex marriages or ordain individuals "who engage in homosexual behavior," according to church canons. Women may serve as deacons and priests in some dioceses but are prohibited from becoming bishops or archbishops. The denomination also opposes abortion.

Related Coverage:

St. Andrew's Church Involved in Complaint Against ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood

JAFC Bishop Refutes Charges of Ecclesiastical Power Abuse

U.S. Anglican Church Archbishop Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Abuse of Power