The Anglican Church in North America is preparing to try its own archbishop, proving even the highest collars aren’t beyond accountability.

Following an internal investigation, ACNA’s Board of Inquiry determined that Archbishop Steve Wood should face trial over alleged violations of church law, including reported sexual misconduct during his time as rector at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in South Carolina, as The Christian Post reports.

The board found “probable cause to present” Wood for a formal church trial under Canon 2, citing three charges—breaking ordination vows, behavior causing scandal or abuse of power, and sexual immorality.

Allegations From Former Church Employee Sparked Complaint

The situation came to light after The Washington Post reported that Claire Buxton, a former ministry director at St. Andrew’s and divorced mother of three, accused Wood of inappropriate contact in April 2024.

Buxton alleged that Wood touched her head and attempted to kiss her in his office, and also claimed he gave her thousands of dollars—sourced from church funds—prior to this alleged behavior.

A formal presentment, the church’s equivalent of a legal complaint, was filed in response. It came from a group comprising four presbyters and seven laypeople, highlighting the seriousness of the accusations and the communal concern behind them.

Top Church Court Will Handle the Trial

The case now heads to the Court for the Trial of a Bishop, an internal seven-member judicial body responsible for handling misconduct cases against bishops within the denomination.

Wood voluntarily stepped aside from his role as archbishop last month, prompting church leaders to take further action.

Acting Presiding Bishop Ray Sutton assumed interim oversight and noted that the church remains focused on its mission despite the controversy: “The Provincial staff remains committed to serving the province. They will work to advance the Church’s mission and priorities as outlined by Archbishop Wood during his absence,” he said in a public statement.

Church Issues Temporary Suspension From Ministry

Following Wood’s leave of absence, ACNA issued a formal Notice of Inhibition suspending him from ordained ministry for a 60-day period.

This temporary measure does not suggest guilt but clears the deck for further legal process within the church's canons.

According to the Right Rev. Julian M. Dobbs, the inhibition was a procedural step and “does not determine guilt or innocence, nor does it pre-judge any allegation or future proceeding.”

Five Senior Bishops Gave Consent to the Suspension

The move to suspend Wood was not unilateral. It received the backing of five senior bishops including the Most Rev. Foley Beach and Right Rev. Alberto Morales.

While some might argue such actions weaken the church's public image, the fact that leadership from multiple dioceses signed off stresses the seriousness placed on transparency and integrity.

This isn’t cancel culture—it’s accountability, something many institutions, including the church, could use a lot more of in this era of blurred standards and moral relativism.

Sutton, in urging prayer and patience, reminded followers of Scripture’s assurance: “God works all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).”

The coming trial will test not just the facts of Archbishop Wood’s conduct but the strength of the Church’s commitment to justice, truth, and clear moral leadership in the face of serious allegations.