Frequently Asked Questions

Updated October 28, 2025

What are Canons?
Canons are the rules the Church adopts for its internal governance. The ACNA’s Constitution and Canons are available here. The disciplinary rules of the Province are found in Title IV of the canons. These rules describe how misconduct is investigated and disciplined and are designed to uphold justice and accountability across the Province.

How is misconduct by a Bishop reported?
Reports of misconduct by a bishop may be submitted via the ACNA’s misconduct form, or through email to misconduct@acna.org. These reports are reviewed by the ACNA Director of Safeguarding and Canonical Affairs, and the Vice Chancellor of Safeguarding.

What happens once a report is submitted?
Every report is received and reviewed by the ACNA Director of Safeguarding and Canonical Affairs and the Vice-Chancellor for Safeguarding. Any report that concerns sexual or physical abuse by a bishop is immediately reported to local law enforcement and/or child protective services (if the abuse involves a minor). Any report received by the province regarding a priest, deacon, lay leader, or volunteer is promptly referred to the appropriate diocesan safeguarding contact to ensure its timely review. All reports are taken seriously. Some may evolve into formal presentments, while others may be submitted as presentments from the outset.

What is a Presentment?
A presentment is a formal charge alleging a violation(s) of canon law. According to Canon IV.4.1, “A Bishop may be charged under Canon IV.2 by three Bishops of this Church with jurisdiction, or by not fewer than ten Presbyters [Priests], Deacons, or adult baptized members of this Church in good standing, of whom at least two shall be Presbyters. One Presbyter and not fewer than six lay persons shall belong either to the Diocese in which the alleged offense was committed or to the Diocese in which the Bishop is canonically resident.” Presentments are typically held in strict confidence until a Board of Inquiry has convened to determine that the accusations presented merit a disciplinary review.

What is a Board of Inquiry (BOI)?
A Board of Inquiry is appointed to evaluate accusations included in a presentment against a bishop or, at a bishop’s request, to investigate rumors concerning him. The BOI determines whether there are reasonable grounds to put the accused to trial. According to Canon IV.4.3, a Board of Inquiry is composed of “five Presbyters and five adult baptized members in good standing, none of whom shall belong to the Diocese of the accused”. The Board of Inquiry is typically convened in strict confidence. Accused parties are usually notified once the Board of Inquiry has reached a determination about whether or not the charges merit further action.

Who appoints a Board of Inquiry?
The canons indicate that this responsibility falls to the Archbishop. In instances that involve allegations against the Archbishop, such as those that were recently submitted, the Archbishop may recuse himself and delegate this responsibility to the Dean of the Province or another delegate.

How long does a Board of Inquiry deliberate before issuing its decision?
This varies considerably based on the scope and nature of the charges being assessed, but a BOI process can range from a few weeks to 2-3 months.

What happens if a Board of Inquiry finds reasonable grounds for a trial?
The Court for the Trial of Bishop is convened. The Court will establish a date and any necessary guidelines for an ecclesiastical trial to address the charges outlined in the presentment.

Does the Church Provide Pastoral Care?

Yes, both complainants and respondents are offered pastoral care. Pastoral care is a ministry rooted in the life and example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), who calls the Church to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

How can my church learn more about safeguarding?
If you are a member of the clergy or a lay leader who would like to receive additional training, education, or resources about how to protect children and adults in your congregational community, please visit the ACNA’s Safeguarding page for a suite of resources. You may also reach out directly to our Director of Safeguarding and Canonical Affairs, Dr. Tiffany Butler, at tbutler@acna.org to discuss a plan to suit the specific needs of your community.

If you have any additional reports, concerns, or evidence regarding the accusations against Archbishop Steve Wood or others, please submit these through misconduct@acna.org. This email is moderated by the Director of Safeguarding and Canonical Affairs, Dr. Tiffany Butler, and the Vice-Chancellor, Jeannie Rose Barksdale.

NOTE: Reports of misconduct by a priest, deacon, lay leader, or volunteer, may be submitted via the appropriate diocesan safeguarding contact. View the list of diocesan safeguarding contacts here.