Court for the Trial of a Bishop
The Court for the Trial of a Bishop is an ecclesiastical court whose jurisdiction is limited to proceedings against a Bishop. It consists of seven members who are elected by the Provincial Council. (ACNA Constitution and Canons Article XI)
Procedural Updates and Postings
- April 1, 2024 – Order of the Court in the Matter of the The Rt. Rev. Todd Atkinson, Bishop, Via Apostolica Missionary District
Note: Due to certain complexities of this case, we would encourage you to not re-publish the Court Order on your website, or share it as an attachment, or distribute it in any other form. However, you may choose to share the link to the Court Order.
DECEMBER 16, 2025
Order of Correction – January 9, 2026
[Click on Text Above to View Final Order ]
- Confidentiality Statement of the Court
- August 2024 Update for the ACNA Court for the Trial of a Bishop
- September 13, 2024 – Status Update – Scheduling Order
- June 2025 Notice of Intent to the Parties to Conduct the Ecclesiastical Trial of the Rt. Rev. Stewart Ruch III by Means of a Secure Internet-based Platform
- June 23 Court Update
- July 8 Court Update: Regarding Courtroom Access
- July 23 Limited Response to the Public Release of the Former Provincial Prosecutor’s Resignation Letter
- August 12 Court Statement from proceedings on August 11
- Adjusted Date for Resuming Trial – Now October 8.
- Oct 15 Announcement of Trial Conclusion and Next Steps
- On February 20, 2026 The Court for the Trial of a Bishop issued its updated Rules of Procedure (posted above) and indicated that the Summons in the Jones case is forthcoming.
- A statement from the Court will be posted here when the Summons has been served.
- On February 20, 2026 The Court for the Trial of a Bishop issued its updated Rules of Procedure (posted above) and indicated that the Summons in the Wood case is forthcoming.
- A statement from the Court will be posted here when the Summons has been served.