ACNA/Bishop Stewart Ruch

Ep. 546: All Things ACNA with Religion News Service’s Kathryn Post

January 8, 2026January 12, 2026

MinistryWatch has published more than 30,000 words about ACNA in the past five years, and many of those words have come from Kathryn Post. Kathryn Post is a reporter for RNS and she has done a great job covering a number of controversies in the young and growing denomination. Her words have appeared in outlets including The Washington Post, Sojourners, The Christian Century, Christianity Today, and – of course – MinistryWatch. Post joined RNS full-time…

Acting ACNA Archbishop Faced Past Claims of Financial Misconduct <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>ACNA cleared Bishop Julian Dobbs in two separate accusations of financial mismanagement</p>

Acting ACNA Archbishop Faced Past Claims of Financial Misconduct

ACNA cleared Bishop Julian Dobbs in two separate accusations of financial mismanagement

December 31, 2025January 12, 2026

(RNS) — Bishop Julian Dobbs, who was appointed last month to serve as acting archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, was previously investigated — and reportedly cleared — of two instances of financial misconduct, both allegedly involving tens of thousands of dollars. Dobbs is leading the troubled denomination as it faces a broader reckoning over bishop misconduct. He has denied the claims against him. “I stand by the integrity of my ministry and…

A CHRONOLOGICAL EXPLAINER <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>The Archbishop Steve Wood Controversy</p>

A CHRONOLOGICAL EXPLAINER

The Archbishop Steve Wood Controversy

December 29, 2025January 12, 2026

ANALYSIS–The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), founded in 2009 as a conservative alternative to the more progressive Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada, has long positioned itself as a beacon of orthodox Anglicanism. With roots in evangelical and charismatic traditions, the denomination emphasizes biblical inerrancy, traditional marriage, and opposition to progressive social shifts like same-sex blessings. By 2025, ACNA boasted over 1,000 congregations across North America, serving as a spiritual home for disaffected…

ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Found Not Guilty <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>On Tuesday, Ruch was found not guilty on all counts after tumultuous months-long church trial</p>

ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Found Not Guilty

On Tuesday, Ruch was found not guilty on all counts after tumultuous months-long church trial

December 17, 2025January 12, 2026

Bishop Stewart Ruch, an Anglican bishop accused of mishandling abuse allegations and failing to safeguard parishioners in his care, was found not guilty on all counts after a tumultuous trial that spanned more than four months.

ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood Suspended <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Suspension comes after 140+ ACNA clergy called for Wood’s inhibition amid sexual misconduct allegations</p>

ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood Suspended

Suspension comes after 140+ ACNA clergy called for Wood’s inhibition amid sexual misconduct allegations

November 18, 2025January 12, 2026

Archbishop Steve Wood, who leads the Anglican Church in North America, has been temporarily suspended from his ministry.

ACNA Archbishop Faces Second Sexual Harassment Claim <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Questions also arise about interim leader</p>

ACNA Archbishop Faces Second Sexual Harassment Claim

Questions also arise about interim leader

November 10, 2025January 12, 2026

A second woman has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against the leader of the Anglican Church in North America.

ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood Takes Leave of Absence <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Church investigation will determine if church trial is warranted amid sexual misconduct claims.</p>

ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood Takes Leave of Absence

Church investigation will determine if church trial is warranted amid sexual misconduct claims.

November 5, 2025January 12, 2026

Archbishop Steve Wood, who heads the Anglican Church in North America, is taking a voluntary leave of absence in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and plagiarism.

ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood Accused of Sexual Misconduct <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>It’s the latest in a string of crises to rock the small, conservative denomination.</p>

ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood Accused of Sexual Misconduct

It’s the latest in a string of crises to rock the small, conservative denomination.

October 23, 2025January 12, 2026

Archbishop Steve Wood, who heads the Anglican Church of North America, faces allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and plagiarism, according to an explosive report released by The Washington Post.

ACNA is Tested and Chaplains Scramble as Chaplain-Endorsing Nonprofit Exits <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Break comes as Bishop Derek Jones declined to participate in investigation he and his lawyers deemed unlawful.</p>

ACNA is Tested and Chaplains Scramble as Chaplain-Endorsing Nonprofit Exits

Break comes as Bishop Derek Jones declined to participate in investigation he and his lawyers deemed unlawful.

October 1, 2025January 12, 2026

On Sunday, Archbishop Steve Wood, who heads ACNA, temporarily restricted Bishop Derek Jones, who oversees the JAFC, from ministry, citing “credible complaints” alleging “abuse of ecclesiastical power.”

Third Prosecutor Appointed in ACNA Trial of Bishop Ruch <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>'Bringing justice to victims is my sole interest in this case,' said new prosecutor Thomas Crapps.</p>

Third Prosecutor Appointed in ACNA Trial of Bishop Ruch

'Bringing justice to victims is my sole interest in this case,' said new prosecutor Thomas Crapps.

August 5, 2025August 6, 2025

Three weeks after proceedings began in the Anglican Church in North America trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch, another prosecutor has been appointed — the third named to the role.

Amid Trial Crisis, ACNA Pushes Forward With Clergy Misconduct Overhaul

Process encourages feedback and participation from fellow Anglicans.

August 4, 2025August 6, 2025

Amid mounting accusations of procedural misconduct in the church trial of one of their own bishops, members of the Anglican Church in North America attended a virtual town hall where a plan was unveiled for overhauling the denomination’s clergy misconduct policies.

ACNA Bishops, Leaders Weigh in on Turbulent Ruch Trial <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Executive Committee remains ‘confident’ court will bring matters to ‘just resolution’</p>

ACNA Bishops, Leaders Weigh in on Turbulent Ruch Trial

Executive Committee remains ‘confident’ court will bring matters to ‘just resolution’

July 31, 2025August 2, 2025

The long-awaited trial of Bishop Stewart Ruchof the Anglican Church in North America continues to face serious setbacks

New Prosecutor in ACNA Trial of Bishop Ruch is Named, and Accused of Conflict <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Seven-member court issued public response contradicting claims made by former prosecutor.</p>

New Prosecutor in ACNA Trial of Bishop Ruch is Named, and Accused of Conflict

Seven-member court issued public response contradicting claims made by former prosecutor.

July 25, 2025August 2, 2025

(RNS) — A new prosecutor has been appointed in the long-awaited trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch of the Anglican Church in North America to replace the original church lawyer who resigned Saturday (July 19), claiming the process had been tainted. But advocates for abuse survivors in the denomination say the new prosecutor, the Rev. Job Serebrov, has a conflict of interest that “raises serious concerns” about his suitability for the role. Ruch is accused of…

Prosecutor Resigns From Trial of ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Calls trial ‘irreparably tainted’</p>

Prosecutor Resigns From Trial of ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch

Calls trial ‘irreparably tainted’

July 21, 2025August 2, 2025

The long-awaited church trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch, a leader in the Anglican Church in North America, is facing a crisis in the wake of the sudden resignation of a lawyer who represented the denomination in the proceedings.

Church Trial of ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Starts Today <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Ruch accused of neglecting bishop duties, turning church into ‘target for predation.’</p>

Church Trial of ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Starts Today

Ruch accused of neglecting bishop duties, turning church into ‘target for predation.’

July 14, 2025August 2, 2025

A long-awaited church trial will begin for Bishop Stewart Ruch of the Anglican Church in North America, alleging in part that he neglected the duties of his office.

Where the ACNA has Been, and Where it’s Headed <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>A conversation with Archbishop Steve Wood</p>

Where the ACNA has Been, and Where it’s Headed

A conversation with Archbishop Steve Wood

October 24, 2024January 12, 2026

On the heels of denominational dustups over women’s ordination to the priesthood and accountability for the misconduct of clergy, Steve Wood is beginning his five-year term as archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America.

In Scandal’s Wake, ACNA Adopts New Rules on Reporting Misconduct

August 12, 2024August 2, 2025

At its June meeting in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the Anglican Church in North America’s governing bodies added two sections to church bylaws about safeguarding and reporting misconduct.

More Than 300 ACNA Clergy and a TX diocese Call for Male-Only Priesthood <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>‘The Augustine Appeal’ calls on College of Bishops to resolve issue of women’s ordination</p>

More Than 300 ACNA Clergy and a TX diocese Call for Male-Only Priesthood

‘The Augustine Appeal’ calls on College of Bishops to resolve issue of women’s ordination

June 11, 2024January 12, 2026

At an Anglican theological conference in January, UK priest and political commentator The Rev. Calvin Robinson stirred up a long-simmering controversy when he called women’s ordination a “slippery slope” akin to a “Trojan horse” and to “cancer.”

When Churches Find out About Alleged Abuse, Calling the Police is Not Enough

December 22, 2023August 2, 2025

While churches have made progress in recent years toward addressing abuse, including contacting law enforcement when learning about allegations of sexual abuse, they can still be reluctant to inform people in the pews about abuse that may have happened in their midst.

When it Comes to Preventing Abuse, are All Churches Equal? <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>As an Anglican bishop faces a church trial for allegedly minimizing abuse and misconduct, observers are wondering: Could this have happened anywhere?</p>

When it Comes to Preventing Abuse, are All Churches Equal?

As an Anglican bishop faces a church trial for allegedly minimizing abuse and misconduct, observers are wondering: Could this have happened anywhere?

September 27, 2023August 2, 2025

The Anglican Church in North America will soon begin a high-profile church trial against a beloved bishop who is accused of welcoming men with histories of predatory behavior into church leadership.

ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Will Face Church Trial <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>A 10-person board of inquiry found there was probable cause to present Ruch for trial for violating denominational bylaws.</p>

ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Will Face Church Trial

A 10-person board of inquiry found there was probable cause to present Ruch for trial for violating denominational bylaws.

August 16, 2023August 2, 2025

Bishop Stewart Ruch, a controversial figure in the Anglican Church in North America, will be brought to a church court trial, according to an announcement published to the denomination’s website Aug. 15.

Anglican Denomination Erupts Into Power Struggle After Bishop Stewart Ruch’s Return <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>The struggle broke into the open last week when ACNA’s archbishop accused his denomination’s highest court of attempting to stop an investigation into charges against Ruch.</p>

Anglican Denomination Erupts Into Power Struggle After Bishop Stewart Ruch’s Return

The struggle broke into the open last week when ACNA’s archbishop accused his denomination’s highest court of attempting to stop an investigation into charges against Ruch.

June 12, 2023August 2, 2025

Archbishop Foley Beach, the primate of the Anglican Church in North America, accused his denomination’s highest court of attempting to stop an investigation into an Illinois bishop’s alleged misconduct.

Mark Rivera Pleads Guilty to Felony Sexual Assault, Sentenced to 6 More Years

April 13, 2023August 2, 2025

Mark Rivera, a former lay pastor at the center of several sexual abuse allegations in a conservative Anglican denomination, pled guilty to one count of felony criminal sexual assault on Wednesday, April 12.

Mark Rivera, a Former Anglican Lay Pastor, Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

March 8, 2023August 2, 2025

Mark Rivera, a former lay pastor in a conservative Anglican denomination who was convicted in December of felony child sexual abuse and assault, was sentenced on Monday afternoon (March 6) to 15 years in the department of corrections.

Returning from Self-Imposed Hiatus, ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Works to Regain Trust

November 21, 2022August 2, 2025

After 16 months of a self-imposed hiatus after admitting to mishandling sexual abuse allegations in his diocese in Wheaton, Illinois, Bishop Stewart Ruch — a charismatic, controversial figure in the Anglican Church in North America — is taking steps to revive trust in his leadership.

ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch, Accused of Spiritual Abuse, Ends Voluntary Leave

October 24, 2022August 2, 2025

A controversial and popular bishop in the Anglican Church of North America has decided to return from a voluntary leave of absence by the end of October, despite an ongoing investigation into spiritual abuse allegations.

Third-Party Report Details ACNA Leaders’ Inaction on Sexual Abuse Allegations

October 3, 2022August 2, 2025

(RNS) — A long-awaited third-party report on sexual abuse reveals that leaders in an Anglican Church in North America diocese failed to act on tips about sexual misconduct and abuse and defended an alleged abuser as innocent while questioning reported survivors’ credibility.

Lawsuit Accuses ACNA Church of Negligence that Resulted in Child Sexual Abuse

May 19, 2022August 2, 2025

When Cherin Marie joined Christ Our Light Anglican Church in 2013, she couldn’t imagine filing a lawsuit against the close-knit Anglican church plant in Big Rock, Illinois, where many of her relatives attended.

ACNA Bishop, Alleging ‘Spiritual Attack,’ Makes Appeal for His Return

May 2, 2022August 2, 2025

(RNS) In July 2021, Stewart Ruch III, bishop of the Anglican Church in North America’s Upper Midwest Diocese, went on leave after making what he called “regrettable errors” in handling cases of abuse in the diocese.

Alleged US Anglican Abuse Victims Break with ACNAtoo and Support Bishop

March 21, 2022August 2, 2025

At least four self-identified survivors of abuse by Mark Rivera, a former Anglican Church of North America lay minister, spoke out against ACNAtoo, the anti-abuse advocacy group that has advanced charges against Rivera since last year, saying in a statement released Saturday (March 12): “ACNAtoo does not speak for us. We would like to be heard for ourselves.”

ACNA Moves Forward with Investigation Amid Concerns from Survivors and Advocates

February 17, 2022August 2, 2025

As investigations into sexual abuse and abuse of church power get underway in the Anglican Church in North America’s Upper Midwest Diocese, at least five individuals who say they experienced sexual or spiritual abuse in the diocese say they will not participate in one or both of the investigations due to concerns about transparency.

Former ACNA Lay Pastor Charged with Additional Sexual Assault Felonies

January 14, 2022August 2, 2025

A former lay pastor in a conservative Anglican denomination was charged Dec. 29 with two felony counts of criminal sexual assault in the Kane County, Illinois, circuit court. The charges come a year after Joanna Rudenborg reported Mark Rivera, her former neighbor, to Kane County police, accusing him of raping her in 2018 and again in 2020.

Hundreds Sign Petition Asking ACNA for ‘Survivor-Centric’ Abuse Investigation

January 12, 2022August 2, 2025

More than 350 people have signed a petition calling the Anglican Church in North America to honor abuse survivors’ wishes regarding an investigation into the handling of abuse allegations.

With Abuse Allegations, Conservative Anglican Diocese Faces Questions about Structure

August 20, 2021August 2, 2025

A lay leader of a second Chicago-area church in a conservative Anglican diocese has been accused of sexual abuse, according to a statement from church leaders.

Alleged Victims Say ACNA Church Leaders Failed to Acknowledge Their Abuse Allegations <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Ten people in all have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against a volunteer leader in the Anglican Church in North America.</p>

Alleged Victims Say ACNA Church Leaders Failed to Acknowledge Their Abuse Allegations

Ten people in all have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against a volunteer leader in the Anglican Church in North America.

July 28, 2021August 2, 2025

Ten people in all have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against a volunteer leader in the Anglican Church in North America.

In ACNA Abuse Case, Mother of an Alleged Victim Says She Paid a Price for Coming Forward <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>The mother says leaders in the Anglican Church in North America pressured her not to report her daughter’s abuse allegations.</p>

In ACNA Abuse Case, Mother of an Alleged Victim Says She Paid a Price for Coming Forward

The mother says leaders in the Anglican Church in North America pressured her not to report her daughter’s abuse allegations.

July 19, 2021August 2, 2025

In May 2019, Cherin’s 9-year-old daughter told her that she had been abused by Rivera. She reported the alleged abuse to York, believing that her great uncle and the others in church leadership would protect her daughter.

Abuse Prevention Advocates Want Input into ACNA Investigation of Bishop <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>A group of advocates named #ACNAtoo wants input on an investigation into how allegations of abuse were handled.</p>

Abuse Prevention Advocates Want Input into ACNA Investigation of Bishop

A group of advocates named #ACNAtoo wants input on an investigation into how allegations of abuse were handled.

July 16, 2021August 2, 2025

A group of abuse prevention advocates believes there are serious questions about the future of a prominent Anglican bishop accused of mishandling abuse allegations.

Prominent Anglican Bishop Takes Leave of Absence Amid Ongoing Accusations of Mishandling Abuse Allegations <br> <p style='font-size:18px;line-height: 1.2em;'>Bishop Stewart Ruch III of the Anglican Church in North America’s Upper Midwest Diocese has taken a leave of absence after admitting he mishandled sexual abuse allegations.</p>

Prominent Anglican Bishop Takes Leave of Absence Amid Ongoing Accusations of Mishandling Abuse Allegations

Bishop Stewart Ruch III of the Anglican Church in North America’s Upper Midwest Diocese has taken a leave of absence after admitting he mishandled sexual abuse allegations.

July 12, 2021August 2, 2025

A prominent Anglican bishop has announced a leave of absence after admitting he mishandled allegations of abuse.

Anglican Diocese Now Seeks Long Delayed Transparency, Accountability for Arrested Lay Leader

July 1, 2021August 2, 2025

Anglican Diocese Now Seeks Long Delayed Transparency, Accountability for Arrested Lay Leader

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ACNA/Bishop Stewart Ruch

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