Archbishop Steve Wood Faces Explosive Allegations of Misconduct Within Anglican Church of North America
A bombshell report released by The Washington Post details allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and plagiarism against Archbishop Steve Wood, head of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), throwing the conservative denomination into further turmoil.
The accusations, formalized in a “presentment” – a formal complaint within the church – and signed by at least 10 individuals, represent the latest crisis to engulf the ACNA, a denomination founded in 2009 by congregations dissenting from the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church in Canada. The charges stem from a pattern of alleged behavior spanning several years, raising serious questions about leadership and accountability within the ACNA.
Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct
At the center of the controversy is Claire Buxton, a former children’s ministry director at St. Andrew’s Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where Wood previously served as rector. Buxton alleges that Wood attempted to kiss her in his office in April 2024, shortly before his election as archbishop. According to Buxton’s account, Wood had previously provided her with over $3,000 in church funds, and colleagues had observed his “excessive praise and fondness” for her.
Buxton described a pattern of inappropriate behavior beginning in the fall of 2021, including repeated gifts of money, a nickname – “Claire Bear” – and offers of a luxury vacation. She stated she lived in fear that Wood would attempt to initiate a physical relationship. When she confronted him in April, Wood reportedly told her, “You know how special you are to me. You’re my favorite person in the world,” and then allegedly put his “hand against the back of her head and trying to kiss her.”
Broader Pattern of Alleged Misconduct
The allegations against Wood extend beyond the alleged incident with Buxton. Priests within the ACNA have accused him of plagiarizing sermons and engaging in bullying behavior towards staff members, even before his ascension to the role of archbishop. A rector within Wood’s diocese reportedly wrote a letter in 2019 questioning Wood’s moral authority, citing instances of preaching unoriginal sermons, publicly cursing at colleagues, and misusing a $60,000 church-provided truck. This rector subsequently left Wood’s diocese.
Denomination Grapples with Multiple Scandals
The allegations against Archbishop Wood are not isolated. The ACNA has been plagued by a series of misconduct scandals in recent years. In July 2021, allegations of sexual abuse surfaced against Mark Rivera, a former lay leader at Christ Our Light Anglican Church in Illinois, leading to his conviction on felony charges. More than 10 clergy and lay leaders in the Upper Midwest diocese have also faced accusations of misconduct, culminating in the trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch, whose church court order is expected by December 16.
Further compounding the issues, another ACNA bishop was defrocked in 2020 due to pornography use, and Bishop Todd Atkinson was ousted in 2024 for inappropriate relationships with women. Just this September, Bishop Derek Jones departed the denomination following an investigation into misconduct allegations, prompting a lawsuit from his jurisdiction over trademark infringement and unfair business practices.
Church Response and Ongoing Reforms
Archbishop Wood has denied the allegations, stating, “I do not believe these allegations have any merit.” He expressed his faith in the church’s internal processes to “bring clarity and truth in these matters” and declined to comment further. The presentment, submitted to Wood and other bishops on Monday, includes charges of violating ordination vows, conduct causing “scandal or offense,” and sexual immorality.
Despite the ongoing crises, Wood has publicly emphasized transparency since his election last summer, issuing regular communications with ACNA members. In March 2025, he appointed a director of safeguarding and canonical affairs to address abuse and misconduct concerns. In July, ACNA leaders held a Town Hall to discuss a proposed overhaul of the denomination’s clergy misconduct protocols, aiming to streamline the complaint process and introduce “off-ramps” to avoid unnecessary investigations. These revisions are slated for a vote next year, with potential implementation in January 2027.
As Buxton poignantly stated to The Washington Post, “It’s just bizarre to me how far we — the Anglican Church in North America and its leadership — have gotten away from basic morals and principles.” The future of the ACNA, and its ability to address these deeply troubling allegations, remains uncertain.
This story was produced through a collaboration between NPR and Religion News Service.
