Report from the College of Bishops Meeting
Anglican Church in North America
Christ Church Cathedral, Plano, Texas – December 3–4, 2025
The College of Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America met on December 3–4, 2025, at Christ Church Cathedral in Plano, Texas. We are deeply grateful to the Right Reverend Paul Donison, the cathedral clergy, and the cathedral staff, who received us generously and provided an environment for prayer, reflection, and careful deliberation.
A Gathering Marked by Prayer, Repentance, and Reflection
We assembled in a moment that demanded humility and seriousness. Throughout our time together, we prayed the Offices and portions of the Litany, allowing the reading of the Scriptures and the rhythms of prayer to shape our conversations, anchor our reflections, and keep the cross of Christ before us.
As we reflectedon our shared episcopal ministry, including the many ways God has borne fruit through it, we acknowledged areas where we have not fully met the high calling entrusted to us. We recognized moments of weakness in our relationships with one another, instances where our courage has flagged, and occasions when we lacked attentiveness or care for the flock committed to us. In humility, we sought forgiveness from the Lord and from one another. We also recognize that, at times, these weaknesses have fallen short of the expectations the Province rightly has for its leaders. In a spirit of honest repentance, we express sorrow for the hurt that these shortcomings have caused, and we ask the clergy and people of the Anglican Church in North America to forgive us where we have not lived up to the sacred trust placed in us.
Matters Requiring Honest Assessment
During our meeting, we heard from those bishops who had prior awareness of the presentment that was later filed against Archbishop Steve Wood. This required us to engage in forthright conversation about the responsibilities of episcopal oversight, the need to speak truthfully among ourselves, and the necessity of guarding the integrity of our common life. We did not pass over these matters lightly. The discussion was undertaken with seriousness, candor, and a commitment to rebuild confidence where it has been shaken.
We acknowledged that there is a lack of clarity in certain areas of our disciplinary canons. This lack of clarity has contributed to confusion and frustration within the Province. We noted with gratitude that the proposed canonical revisions presently before the Church begin to address these ambiguities and strengthen our accountability to one another and to the people of God. It was clear throughout our deliberations that there is a significant deficit of trust toward the College of Bishops. We received this soberly. We recognize that trust cannot be demanded, and we will endeavor to grow in grace so that, by God’s help, we may become increasingly trustworthy.
Commitment to the Sacred Calling of the Episcopate
The meeting was led by Bishop Julian M. Dobbs, who received the support of the College for his continued service as Provincial Dean during this challenging season. Under his leadership we reflected deeply on the sacred nature of our calling as bishops: to guard the faith, teach the Scriptures, uphold discipline, shepherd the people of God, and model holiness of life.
As Bishop Dobbs said, “These hours together have been weighty, they have been raw, and they have been real. Yet in the midst of it all, Jesus Christ has met us with mercy, and He is faithful to lead His Church.”
Prayer for Those in Pain and for Those Under Discipline
Front and center in our prayers were all who have brought complaints, all who are walking through disciplinary processes, and all who have been wounded in the life of the church. We prayed earnestly for them all and for Archbishop Steve Wood and Mrs. Jacqui Wood, asking the Lord to uphold them all with His steadfast love, sustain them by His Spirit, and grant them peace in every storm.
An Advent Word of Hope
In this holy season we were reminded of the promise of Christ’s coming light: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 (ESV)
In a time when the Province feels the strain of uncertainty and sorrow, this word assures us that Christ does not abandon His people. His light exposes what must be brought into the open, heals what is broken, and guides us in the way of peace. Advent teaches us to wait with expectation, trusting the One who is Himself the Light of the world.
A Prayer for the Church
The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent (BCP 2019)
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
