by Chris Ritter

As the College of Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) prepares to meet in Florida on January 12–16, the denomination faces the fallout from a series of high-profile controversies involving episcopal leadership.

Archbishop Steve Wood (elected in 2024) became the first primate in ACNA history to face a presentment in October 2025. Allegations included sexual harassment, bullying of staff, plagiarism, and abuse of power. After taking voluntary leave, Wood was formally inhibited (suspended) in November 2025. A Board of Inquiry subsequently found probable cause for trial on charges including sexual immorality and violation of ordination vows.

Bishop Stewart Ruch (Upper Midwest) was tried in 2025 for mishandling abuse reports in his diocese. He was acquitted on all charges in December 2025, though the case highlighted serious canonical deficiencies and prompted renewed calls for transparency and reform. Bishop Todd Atkinson was deposed in 2024 for spiritual abuse and inappropriate relationships. Bishop Derek Jones (Armed Forces Chaplaincy) was inhibited in 2025 for alleged abuse of power; his jurisdiction later disaffiliated, forming a new denomination amid disputes over control and lingering accusations. Most recently, newly named dean of the College of Bishops, Bishop Julian Dobbs, has faced resurfaced claims of financial misconduct from earlier ministerial posts.

Members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) may look on these developments with grave concern. Are the struggles of this slightly older sister denomination a harbinger of things to come? After all, both bodies are young, conservative denominations formed out of Mainline American churches. Both are heirs of the Church of England and share a similar doctrinal heritage and episcopal polity. ACNA leaders were consulted during the GMC’s design phase, and clergy in both denominations receive similar preparation for ministry.

While all denominations must remain vigilant against abuse and toxic leadership, the Global Methodist Church has structured its episcopacy quite differently than either the ACNA or the United Methodist Church. Several distinctions are worth noting.

First, the GMC has an independent Global Episcopacy Committee (GEC) charged with overseeing the work of bishops. Unique among Methodist and Anglican bodies, this committee is empowered to provide meaningful oversight of episcopal leadership. The GEC is elected by the General Conference for the express purpose of fostering a healthy and accountable episcopacy.

Second, GMC bishops are term-limited and subject to re-election. While ACNA bishops are elected for life, Global Methodist bishops may serve a maximum of two six-year terms, with re-election by the General Conference required for a second term. Term limits serve as an important safeguard against entrenchment and unaccountability.

Third, the ACNA has no mandated performance review process for bishops. GMC bishops, by contrast, undergo annual evaluations, the results of which are shared with area committees on episcopacy prior to re-election votes. This 360-degree review process includes input from the Global Episcopacy Committee, conference superintendents, conference lay leaders, and fellow bishops.

Fourth, in the ACNA (as in the UMC), complaints against bishops are handled by other bishops, who are involved at each stage of the process. In the GMC, complaints against bishops are processed by the independent Global Episcopacy Committee. Neither sitting bishops nor episcopal candidates are permitted to serve on the GEC. A chart below illustrates the specific procedural differences between the two denominations.

Global Methodists continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in the ACNA as their bishops convene in Florida. Bishop Julian Dobbs has stated, “A major priority of this meeting will be to advance comprehensive reforms to the Church’s Title IV disciplinary canons. It is vital that we do all we can to address known challenges within our existing disciplinary processes to strengthen our structures of accountability, transparency, and pastoral care for all involved.” The same report notes that “the bishops will also devote time to reviewing and improving processes for identifying, vetting, approving, and electing bishops so that future episcopal leadership reflects the highest standards of spiritual maturity, integrity, and pastoral wisdom.”

May the Holy Spirit guide the Anglican Church in North America during these difficult days.

    ACNAGMC
    Who Receives Complaints?The College of Bishops, through the Archbishop or their designateThe Global Episcopacy Committee via the chair. The GEC is comprises of equal numbers of lay and clergy, none of whom are bishops or episcopal nominees
    Who May File a Complaint?Three other bishops, or a group of ten or more ACNA members, two of whom must be ordained presbytersAnyone
    Who Processes the Complaint?A board of inquiry selected by the ArchbishopThe chair of the Global Episcopacy Committee or his/her designate.
    What is the initial response?A Board of Inquiry InvestigationA meeting between the GEC Chair (or their designee), the complainant, the bishop, and support persons for the various parties to see if a just resolution is possible. Consent of all parties is required in a just resolution agreement. If a just resolution is not reached, the matter proceeds to a Committee on Investigation Process. This committee is comprised of five clergy and four laity, all of whom are members of the GEC.
    Who can dismiss complaints?The complaint requires 2/3 support of the Board of Inquiry to move to trial. The chair of the GEC can dismiss a judicial complaint after the supervisory response stage, but this decision must be supported by 2/3 of the GEC. If the GEC refers the matter to the committee on investigation, this group may also dismiss charges. Six votes of the committee on investigation is required to move the matter to trial.
    Who tries a bishop?The court includes three other bishops, two elders, and two lay people.The GEC chairs selects a bishop or retired bishop to preside over the trial, the decision of which are rendered by a jury comprised of laity and clergy members.
    How can a bishop be suspended?Three of the five diocesan bishops must approve a temporary inhibition during the investigatory state. Suspension can also be the outcome of a trial. The Global Episcopacy Committee may suspend a bishop who is under complaint by a simple majority vote. Any six members of a committee on investigation may also request a suspension by the GEC.
    Other DistinctionsThere is a “godly admonition” process whereby an official word of correction can be issued to a bishop, but this requires approval by a majority of the college of bishops.The GEC Assembly of Bishops is required to “Watch over one another in love, in cooperation
    and consultation with the Global Episcopacy Committee.”
    Performance Reviews for Bishops?NoYes, conducted annually by the Global Episcopacy Committee. This information is available to area committees on episcopacy for bishops seeking re-election.
    Terms for bishopsElected for LifeElected for a six year term with re-election necessary for an additional six years. There is a limit of two six-year terms.