ACNA Bishop Stewart Ruch Found Not Guilty on All Charges After Church Trial

Bishop Stewart Ruch of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) was found not guilty on all charges following a four-month trial, according to a church court announcement on December 16. The verdict concluded a period of intense scrutiny over Ruch’s handling of abuse allegations and his leadership within his diocese. The trial followed years of controversy, including a 2019 case where a 9-year-old child in the Upper Midwest Diocese reported sexual abuse by a lay minister, who was later convicted of felony sexual assault. Over a dozen clergy and lay leaders in Ruch’s diocese have since faced misconduct allegations, raising concerns about systemic failures in safeguarding parishioners.
The trial unfolded amid a broader crisis within the denomination, marked by multiple high-profile cases of sexual misconduct and leadership misconduct. In November, Archbishop Steve Wood, the denomination’s leader, was suspended from ministry due to allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and plagiarism. Wood’s own trial is set to begin soon, reflecting the deepening scrutiny of leadership accountability within the ACNA.
Ruch, the second bishop to face trial in the ACNA, was accused of mishandling misconduct allegations and failing to disclose the histories of individuals with predatory behavior. The charges included neglecting the duties of his office, engaging in conduct that caused scandal, violating ordination vows, and disobeying church bylaws. The seven-member court, composed of bishops, priests, and lay members, ultimately determined that the evidence presented by the provincial prosecutor did not meet the “clear and convincing evidence” standard required for conviction.
The court’s decision emphasized that Ruch did not violate church bylaws, though the trial highlighted ongoing challenges in addressing misconduct within religious institutions. The case underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals, themes that align with biblical calls for justice and care for the marginalized. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” The pursuit of justice within religious organizations must reflect these principles.
The ACNA, formed in 2009 by congregations that left the Episcopal Church over doctrinal disagreements, has faced increasing pressure to address internal governance and accountability. The trial of Bishop Ruch and the pending trial of Archbishop Wood illustrate the complex interplay between institutional leadership and the moral responsibilities of those in positions of authority. As Ephesians 5:11 advises, “Do not be participants with them in their deeds,” a reminder for leaders to uphold integrity and righteousness in their actions.
The outcome of Ruch’s trial does not absolve the broader challenges of institutional failure and misconduct within religious organizations. It serves as a call to reflect on the systems in place to protect the vulnerable and ensure that leadership is held to the highest standards of accountability. The path forward requires a commitment to transparency, repentance, and the pursuit of justice, guided by the enduring principles of love, mercy, and truth.

Source: Read the original report