| An Update Regarding Accusations Against Archbishop Steve Wood |
| October 24, 2025 |
| Dear Holy Cross Family,
By now, many of you have heard of the allegations against Archbishop Steve Wood, which have been reported in the Washington Post and several other media outlets. This difficult situation touches Holy Cross in several ways. Our parish is a member of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and is under the spiritual authority of Archbishop Wood, who also serves as the Rector of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Mt. Pleasant, just a few miles away. In addition, some of us have personal connections with Archbishop Wood and his family. Finally, the complainants include members of our Diocese and a former member of our staff, Claire Buxton. As discouraging and disorienting as this is, our greatest desire is that God would be glorified through the revelation of truth and grace. Let us remember that “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7). As the church of Jesus Christ, we are called to the relentless pursuit of holiness, truth, justice, and mercy. The church must be a place of refuge and protection from the evils of the world. We need to allow the instruments of justice to work. ACNA has a thorough and Christ-honoring process for investigating and adjudicating claims against clergy. If any member of the clergy, including a bishop or archbishop, is accused of behaving in a way that is not in line with the Gospel (Galatians 2:14; 1 Timothy 3:1–13), including sexual harassment or abuse, there must be a thorough investigation. This process must be fair and truthful, measured by facts, evidence, and patient investigation by people committed to the truth. Furthermore, we are not to treat an accusation as fact but trust that the Lord will uphold justice through faithful witness and wise discernment (Deuteronomy 19:15–21; 1 Timothy 5:19). Many will take advantage of this moment to attack the Church and attempt to discredit the message of the Gospel. Some have already suggested that this accusation and other lamentable events demonstrate that the leadership of ACNA is morally bankrupt. As your Rector, I want to assure you that this is simply not true. In truth, the very fact that a presentment has been brought forward against the Archbishop illustrates our commitment to holiness, transparency, and accountability. So what should we do? First, pray for all involved—the Church, ACNA, our leaders, Archbishop Steve Wood and his wife, Jacqui and their children, and the complainants, including Claire. Second, do not lose heart. It would be easy to become cynical and disillusioned. But Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Third, proclaim the Gospel. Satan would love nothing more than to distract us from God’s mission through rumor, speculation, and gossip. We have a message of grace and freedom to share with a hurting world in bondage to sin. This situation only highlights how desperately we all need Jesus! As followers of Christ, let us all recommit ourselves to lives of grace and truth by the power of the Holy Spirit and be vigilant in our care for every man, woman, and child in the churches entrusted to our care. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or Dan McNeill, our Sr. Warden, via our church email at info[at]holycross[dot]net. In Christ, –(The Rev.) David Cumbie is rector, Holy Cross, Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina |
David Cumbie of Church of the Apostles, Houston, called to be new rector of Holy Cross, Sullivan's Island #SouthCarolina https://t.co/0ylo4poNBE #parishministry #lowcountrylife #anglican #religion #faith #transition #leadership #marriage #family #children #texas #acna pic.twitter.com/oAsFYduwBZ
— Kendall Harmon (@KendallHarmon6) October 18, 2023