ACNA archbishop suspended amid misconduct probe

The acting head of the Anglican Church in North America, or ACNA, suspended the denomination’s archbishop from ministry, according to a Monday letter. Archbishop Steve Wood had already taken a voluntary leave of absence while the ACNA investigated claims of sexual misconduct and abuse of power against him. Wood’s suspension was not an indication of guilt or innocence—it was simply deemed the best move for the denomination while the probe continued, Dean Julian Dobbs wrote. Wood has denied the charges.

The five senior bishops on the ACNA bishops’ council gave their consent to the suspension, according to the text of the notice. The suspension will last for 60 days, though ACNA leadership has the ability to extend or supersede it. Another bishop will take over Wood’s duties overseeing the Diocese of the Carolinas during that time, according to the letter.

What else did the letter say about the proceedings? Ray Sutton, the former acting head of the ACNA who took charge during Wood’s leave of absence, said he could not recall having spoken about selecting candidates friendly to Wood for an inquiry board. The inquiry board will determine whether the allegations meet standards for an ecclesiastical trial, Wood’s church previously told WORLD.

Sutton said he was committed to an independent inquiry process. He was resigning from his position due to heavy church responsibilities and severe back issues, handing temporary leadership of the ACNA to Dobbs, he said.

Dig deeper: Read my report on the accusations against Wood.