American Anglican archbishop on leave amid misconduct claims

Archbishop Stephen Wood, the top official in the Anglican Church in North America, has taken a voluntary leave of absence until misconduct claims against him can be resolved, the denomination said on Monday. The statement from the ACNA said the allegations, which include sexual misconduct and abuse of power, would be treated with the utmost seriousness and undergo a thorough canonical investigation. It noted that the accusations predated Wood’s June 2024 election as archbishop. Wood’s church earlier told WORLD that the denomination would convene an inquiry board to determine if the claims should be brought to an ecclesiastical trial.

During the investigation, Wood will not carry out any official duties, the denomination said. He will be paid during his absence, according to church documents. Other bishops will temporarily take over his responsibilities, the denomination said.

What is Wood specifically accused of? A female ministry director from his Mount Pleasant, S.C., church claimed Wood in 2024 forcibly tried to kiss her. She also claimed that over several years, he gave her more than $3,000 in church money for her personal use, according to The Washington Post. Wood was also accused of demeaning other church staff, discussing potential sexual affairs of church members, and further intrusive behavior toward the woman. Six other former church staffers and priests filed affidavits in support or containing similar allegations, according to the Post.

What did Wood say about the allegations? In a letter dated Monday, Wood said he believed that the charges lacked merit, and he categorically denied the woman’s claim of physical contact. He said all misconduct allegations should be taken seriously and said he trusted the church’s processes to bring the truth to light.

Dig deeper: Read my report on a feud between an Anglican chaplains’ organization and Wood.