Anglican Church in North America Announces Key Governance Decisions from Provincial Council 2026 and Court Announces Delay of Trial for Archbishop Stephen D. Wood

The Provincial Council of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) concluded its annual meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, taking several significant actions that will shape the life and mission of the Province. The Council, which serves as the governing body of the Church, completed several major actions during its session from June 17-19, 2026, including the approval of revised Title IV disciplinary canons.

The most substantial action came with the approval of the revised Title IV disciplinary canons, the culmination of almost three years of review, consultation, and development. Bishop Julian Dobbs, Dean of the Province, expressed gratitude for the work of delegates and the Governance Task Force, emphasizing the commitment to establishing clear rules and restoring trust in the disciplinary system.

The revisions address several longstanding challenges within the current disciplinary framework and establish clearer procedures for reporting misconduct, conducting investigations, providing pastoral care, and adjudicating cases. These reforms aim to strengthen confidence in the Church’s ability to address misconduct faithfully, fairly, and consistently while safeguarding all parties involved.

As part of the proceedings, an additional floor agenda item supported by ten delegate signatures proposed replacing the approved Title IV text with an alternative version. This amendment sought to mandate the appointment of an advocate for any clergy member accused of misconduct, mirroring the existing process for laypersons.

Meanwhile, the Court for the Trial of a Bishop issued a Notice of Trial Reset in the matter of The Most Rev. Stephen D. Wood, Archbishop of the ACNA and Bishop of the Diocese of the Carolinas. The trial, which was originally scheduled, has been reset to begin on October 26, 2026. The administrative notice was signed and finalized by The Right Rev. Ryan Reed, President of the Court, and Katherine R. Grosskopf, Presiding Officer. No further comment was provided.

The delay in the trial reflects the Court’s commitment to providing a full and fair adjudication of the allegations. The Court’s actions underscore the importance of accountability and honest dealing, as highlighted in Scripture.

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