FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026
The Anglican Church in North America Announces Court Update and Trial Date for Archbishop Stephen D. Wood
Mt. Pleasant, SC — The Anglican Church in North America’s (ACNA) Court for the Trial of a Bishop has posted an update regarding the disciplinary proceedings in the case of Archbishop Stephen D. Wood. The notice announces that his ecclesiastical trial is scheduled to begin on July 20, 2026.
The Court has not yet issued any information about the estimated length of the proceedings.
Three canonical charges were brought against Archbishop Wood in a presentment submitted to some members of the College of Bishops on October 20, 2025. The charges include Violation of Ordination Vows (Canon IV. 2.1. 3), Conduct giving just cause for scandal or offense (Canon IV. 2.1. 4), and Sexual Immorality (Canon IV. 2.1. 6). Additional details about the allegations and events related to the trial of Archbishop Wood are available on the Archbishop Wood Updates and Information Page.
The Court clarifies that a Summons was issued to Archbishop Wood on February 23, 2026. It has also received an Answer and a Motion to Dismiss from Archbishop Wood, and has agreed to hear arguments on that motion on May 7, 2026.
“We are grateful to the Court for its diligent work in this matter,” said the Right Reverend Julian Dobbs who serves as Dean of the Province. “I ask that our clergy and lay members join me in earnest prayer that God, in His wisdom and providence, would bring a just and righteous resolution, that His Church would be preserved in truth and unity, and that all parties involved would know His grace.”
The Court for the Trial of a Bishop is an independent, judicial body elected by the Provincial Council every three years. It is composed of three bishops, two clergy, and two lay members in good standing. The current President of the Court is The Right Reverend Ryan Reed, Bishop Ordinary of the Anglican Diocese of Fort Worth, and the Presiding Officer of the Court is Ms. Katie Grosskopf, Esq.
Media Contact: Kate Harris
703-740-6736
kharris@acna.org
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