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Archbishop Stephen Wood Faces Serious Sexual Harassment Allegations: What It Means for ACNA Families

Update The Unfolding Crisis in the Anglican Church of North America In an unsettling turn of events, the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) faces critical accusations against its leading figure, Archbishop Stephen Wood. The allegations include serious claims of sexual harassment, bullying, and plagiarism from multiple former employees, echoing growing concerns regarding moral integrity within church leadership. Wood, who took office in July 2025, has swiftly found himself at the center of a scandal that could further gouge an already fragile institution. The church, established as a conservative alternative to the Episcopal Church in 2009, now grapples with claims that fundamentally challenge its foundational values of community and pastoral care. An Allegation That Shakes the Foundation Among the most poignant claims is that of Claire Buxton, who served as a children’s ministry director at St. Andrew’s Church in South Carolina. Buxton reported that Wood attempted to kiss her during a private meeting, following a series of inappropriate behaviors leading up to the incident. Such a breach of trust undermines the core values expected from a church leader, further complicating ACNA’s mission of providing a safe space for spiritual growth. Politically, the church now finds itself navigating these accusations amidst ongoing discussions about reforming its protocols for addressing misconduct. The recent emergence of such allegations not only raises questions about the personal integrity of its leaders but reflects on the broader systemic issues regarding accountability and transparency within religious institutions. The Fractured Trust: A Community's Response Many parents and families connected to the ACNA, who once viewed the church as a beacon of faith and community, are now left questioning their trust in its leadership structure. The leadership's attempts to define a path toward accountability could either heal or further fracture this community. Buxton’s allegations have also inspired a wave of communal reflection— how can a church, built on the principles of biblical teachings, allow such serious misconduct to occur under its roof? Many within the community are advocating for reform, emphasizing the need for a more transparent and effective approach toward handling allegations of this nature. Parallel Examples in Religious Institutions This incident is not unique in the context of religious bodies facing scandal. With recent cases in various denominations involving higher-profile figures, ACNA’s need to establish firm protective measures has become increasingly evident. How these situations are handled often serves as a defining moment for organizations, shaping their public image and internal relations for years to come. With examples seen in other religious institutions where scandal has led to sweeping reforms, there exists a glimmer of hope. If ACNA can take earnest steps towards genuine accountability, it may not only restore trust among its congregants but also serve as an example for other denominations grappling with similar issues. The Role of Transparency in Healing Amidst these allegations, Wood's commitment to transparency in church operations has surfaced as a focal point. During his short tenure, he has insisted on creating avenues for members to voice their concerns over leadership conduct, which may prove pivotal as the church embarks on a process of reflection and potential restructuring of its abuse response protocols. By hiring a dedicated director of safeguarding, Wood demonstrated an understanding of the severity of the issue. This proactive step illustrates a willingness to rebuild trust; however, action will speak louder than words. Members are keenly observing how these policies unfold and whether they effectively serve to protect the vulnerable. Call to Action: Engage as a Community The unfolding of these events presents not only a challenge but also an opportunity for ACNA and its families to engage in dialogue about ethics and leadership within the church. Families within the community are urged to come together, share their experiences, and advocate for greater accountability within church governance to ensure a safe environment for all members. This moment is critical—action can be taken now to influence the trajectory of the church’s future and reinforce the values of compassion, respect, and integrity. Let’s take this opportunity to reflect, address, and enact necessary changes together for the health of our community.