ACNA Faces $1 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Misconduct and Disaffiliation of Chaplaincy Jurisdiction

The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) continues to grapple with mounting challenges, as new allegations surface against its leadership and internal structures. The denomination, which split from the Episcopal Church in 2009 over doctrinal and ethical differences, now faces a multifaceted crisis involving legal action, institutional disaffiliation, and accusations of misconduct against its senior bishops. These developments have intensified internal tensions and further strained the young denomination’s capacity for accountability and governance.
At the heart of the current turmoil is a $1 million lawsuit filed by the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC), led by Bishop Derek Jones. The suit, filed on October 6, alleges trademark infringement and seeks damages for what it describes as irreparable harm to the JAFC’s business reputation and goodwill. This legal action follows a public dispute that erupted in late September 2025, when ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood suspended Jones from ministry, citing credible complaints of abuse of ecclesiastical power. The suspension triggered the JAFC’s formal disaffiliation from the ACNA, a move that has deepened the rift between the two entities.
The JAFC, which serves as the official endorsing body for ACNA chaplains, argues that its status as an independent nonprofit entity was violated by the ACNA’s actions. It contends that Archbishop Wood’s investigation was unlawful and that the denomination’s College of Bishops improperly declared Jones’s seat vacant, subsequently electing a new bishop to oversee the chaplaincy. The ACNA, however, maintains that the JAFC is a canonical ministry of the church and that its leadership acted within its authority. This disagreement underscores the broader struggle over governance and the boundaries of ecclesiastical power within the denomination.
Among the allegations against Jones are claims of a “pay to play” system, where chaplains were required to pay a tithe of their income to the JAFC or risk losing their endorsement. Chaplains have described Jones as heavy-handed and vindictive, with some alleging that he threatened to revoke their ecclesiastical endorsements if they missed tithe payments. These accusations suggest a system that prioritized financial compliance over pastoral care, raising questions about the ethical integrity of the leadership and the potential for exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Further complicating the situation is the formal presentment filed against Jones, which accuses him of a pattern of fraud, abuse, lying, and conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. The presentment, confirmed by hosts of the independent news show “Anglican Unscripted,” highlights the gravity of the allegations and the potential for disciplinary action within the ACNA. Such accusations, if substantiated, could have far-reaching implications for the denomination’s credibility and its ability to uphold the standards of integrity and accountability that are essential to its mission.
The ACNA’s struggle reflects a broader pattern of institutional failure and the challenges of maintaining governance in a rapidly evolving religious community. As the denomination navigates these crises, the need for transparency, fairness, and a commitment to justice becomes increasingly urgent. The biblical call to pursue righteousness and care for the vulnerable, as seen in Micah 6:8, offers a framework for addressing these issues with both moral clarity and compassion. The path forward for the ACNA will depend on its ability to reconcile these competing demands and restore trust within its ranks.

Source: Read the original report