Archbishop Stephen Wood of the Anglican Church in North America will face a church trial following a board of inquiry finding probable cause for formal charges. The charges against Wood include abuse of power, sexual immorality, and violation of ordination vows. Wood was suspended from ministry in November after allegations of misconduct became public, which he denies. The Anglican Church in North America is a conservative denomination formed in 2009 after splitting from the U.S. Episcopal Church over liberalizing trends. Allegations reported by The Washington Post include sexual misconduct prior to his archbishop role, staff bullying, and sermon plagiarism.
3 months ago
Archbishop Stephen Wood, leader of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), faces a formal church trial following a board of inquiry's finding of probable cause.1
The charges include violation of ordination vows, sexual immorality, and conduct causing scandal, such as abuse of ecclesiastical power.1
Allegations stem from Wood's time as a pastor and regional bishop before becoming archbishop last year.1
A Washington Post investigation detailed claims of sexual misconduct, with a second woman later accusing him of sexual harassment.1
Additional reports include bullying staff and plagiarizing sermons.1
Wood was suspended from ministry in November by fellow bishops after the allegations became public.1
He has denied any misconduct; as a married father of four, he retired as rector of St. Andrew’s Church in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.1
The ACNA, formed in 2009 by conservatives splitting from the U.S. Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada, opposes liberal trends like ordaining LGBTQ+ bishops.1
It claims about 130,000 members across 1,000 congregations in the U.S. and Canada.1
Bishop Julian Dobbs, the current dean, is assuming Wood’s duties during suspension.1
Wood’s Diocese of the Carolinas is led by Acting Bishop David Bryan.1
Church rules allow remedies from censure to removal if guilty.1
Assess Catholic teachings on clerical misconduct and accountability
Catholic teachings on clerical misconduct emphasize the grave responsibility of clerics to uphold moral integrity, particularly in light of scandals that harm the faithful, victims, and the Church's mission. Rooted in canon law, papal documents, and synodal reflections, the Church mandates rigorous accountability through investigations, penalties, transparency, and cooperation with civil authorities, while affirming bishops' oversight and the laity's role in fraternal correction. These teachings balance mercy for repentant sinners with firm justice to protect the vulnerable and prevent scandal.
Clerical misconduct, especially sexual abuse of minors, constitutes a delictum gravius—a most grave crime—reserved to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF). Pope John Paul II's motu proprio Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela (SST, 2001) classifies sexual abuse of a minor under 18 as an offense against the sixth commandment, updating earlier norms from the 1983 Code of Canon Law (can. 1395 §2), which punished such acts with "just penalties, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state." This delict also includes acquisition, possession, or distribution of child pornography, with prescription extended to 20 years from the victim's 18th birthday (or longer by CDF derogation).
Such sins scandalize the faithful, echoing Christ's warning: "Woe to the world because of scandals!" (Mt 18:7), and particularly harm the "little ones." Pope John Paul II expressed deep pain over cases shocking moral sensibilities and occasioning further sin, urging canonical penalties to distinguish good from evil. Clergy abuse endangers the faith itself, undermining the "remarkable harmony between the bishops and the faithful" essential to Catholic life, as it erodes credibility and the bonds of communion.
Bishops and major superiors bear primary responsibility upon receiving credible accusations. A preliminary investigation per CIC can. 1717 or CCEO can. 1468 must proceed with respect for privacy and reputations, informing the accused (unless serious indications counsel otherwise) and allowing a response. Precautionary measures (CIC can. 1722; CCEO can. 1473), like restricting ministry or contact with minors, apply immediately. Credible cases require referral to the CDF, which directs further steps, ensuring a just process with the cleric's right to defense.
Permanent penalties, such as dismissal from the clerical state, demand a full judicial process, not extrajudicial decree (CIC can. 1342). The CDF judges guilt and unsuitability, promoting rehabilitation for the wrongly accused. Episcopal conferences' guidelines complement universal law (SST, updated 2010) but require Holy See recognitio for binding norms, harmonizing with civil law on reporting. Victims receive spiritual and psychological assistance, treated with respect; anonymity is possible if linked to Penance abuse.
Penalties fall into two categories: (1) restrictions on ministry (e.g., no public ministry or contact with minors), reinforced by penal precepts; (2) ecclesiastical penalties, culminating in dismissal laicization (sometimes at the cleric's request pro bono Ecclesiae). These express social disapproval, fostering moral awareness. Return to ministry is barred if it endangers minors or causes scandal.
Bishops must not "impose hands lightly" (1 Tm 5:22), ordaining only those with proven fitness, lest they share in others' sins—a duty echoing St. Leo the Great and St. John Chrysostom. Clergy must model virtue, avoiding entanglement in worldly affairs (2 Tm 2:4) and adhering to superiors' directives.
The 2023 Synod on Synodality condemns clericalism, which assumes clergy are unaccountable, fueling abuse in sexual, financial, or other spheres. Transparency and accountability extend to pastors' lifestyles, evangelization, and institutional dignity (e.g., working conditions). Consultative bodies aid discernment but cannot replace bishops' authority. Accused clerics receive sustenance during processes.
Laity must not abandon sinful clergy, as priests are essential to discipleship—like wood to fire. Filial correction persists privately; if unheeded and threatening the common good (e.g., scandal via rumor or obstinacy), escalate to superiors or public exposure as a last resort. This upholds charity while safeguarding the flock, countering diminished institutional trust.
Clergy engaging the laity must obey superiors, preserving priestly dignity without novelty or class aversion. The faithful obey prelates (Heb 13:17), who regulate spiritual life.
In summary, Catholic teachings demand swift, just accountability for clerical misconduct to protect victims, the Church, and souls. Bishops lead with prudence, supported by CDF processes and civil cooperation; laity offer correction in love. These norms, from SST to synodal calls, urge holiness amid trials, ensuring clergy reflect Christ's integrity.