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Archbishop Faces Trial Over Allegations of Sexual Misconduct in Anglican Church
Developing
In Short: An Anglican Archbishop, Steve Wood, is set to face a trial over allegations of sexual misconduct, as the church grapples with a challenging season.
The trial of Anglican Archbishop Steve Wood, accused of sexual misconduct, is set to begin on Monday, marking a significant moment for the church as it navigates a difficult period.
Claire Buxton, a former children’s ministry director, alleges that Wood began acting inappropriately with her in fall 2021, showering her with money and offering to send her to a luxury resort.
The presentment against Wood, signed by at least 10 individuals, was resubmitted in November 2025 to include allegations from a second woman, who said Wood pressured her into uncomfortable situations and offered alcohol.
Wood, who remains the archbishop, announced a voluntary leave of absence, but more than 140 clergy signed an open letter calling for his inhibition, or temporary suspension, from ministry.
The trial, which could take up to 101 days to reach a judgment, follows a Board of Inquiry that found probable cause and a Court for a Trial of a Bishop that denied Wood’s motion to dismiss the case.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- “Our young Province finds itself in a challenging and uncomfortable season,” Julian Dobbs, who has taken over the archbishop’s duties, wrote in an email to the denomination on Tuesday.
- Claire Buxton, a former children’s ministry director who served under Wood at his parish, St. Andrew’s Church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, said Wood began acting inappropriately with her in fall 2021,…
- The presentment was signed by at least 10 individuals attesting to the allegations, as is required by church bylaws.
- In November 2025, it was resubmitted to include allegations from a second woman, who said Wood pressured her into situations she was “uncomfortable with” and invited her to drink alcohol with him.
- Wood, who remains the archbishop, announced on Nov. 3 that he was taking a voluntary leave of absence.
- But more than 140 clergy signed an open letter calling for Wood to be inhibited, or temporarily suspended, from ministry.
- “Canonically, a voluntary leave of absence allows the Archbishop to return to office when he sees fit,” the letter said.
- In December, a 10-person Board of Inquiry considered the claims and found probable cause for bringing Wood to trial, and in June, the Court for a Trial of a Bishop denied Wood’s motion to dismiss the case.
Sources
- Religionnewslink