General Court Remarks
FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Ecclesiastical Trial Court for a Bishop Adjourns for Deliberations in the Matter of the Right Rev. Stewart E. Ruch III
General Court Remarks
The Ecclesiastical Trial Court for the Trial of a Bishop announces that the trial in the matter of the Right Rev. Stewart E. Ruch III has now concluded, and the Court has formally adjourned for deliberations.
During Phase Two of the trial, the Court expressed its gratitude to all parties and their respective counsel for their professionalism and cooperative spirit throughout Phase II of these proceedings—particularly Mr. Smith, counsel for Bishop Ruch, and Mr. Thomas Crapps, the newly appointed Provincial Prosecutor. Their diligence, mutual respect, and professionalism enabled a well-ordered proceeding, including the complete submission and reception of all evidence from both sides. The Court also permitted the Provincial Prosecutor additional time to prepare, introduce additional evidence, and make appropriate motions to ensure the proper admission of all evidence in light of the abrupt and unexpected withdrawal of the previous prosecutor, ensuring that the record before the Court is full and fair.
Instructions of the Court Regarding Post-Trial Conduct and Communications
Upon conclusion of the evidentiary phase of the trial and the close of the record, the period of careful and prayerful deliberation of the evidence now before it the Court issued the following directives to preserve the integrity of the process and the dignity of the Church’s judicial proceedings:
Prohibition on Public or Social Media Communication
Effective immediately, all parties, counsel, witnesses, and representatives shall refrain from public comment, social media posting, or communication with any public authorities or entities within the Anglican Church in North America concerning the status, deliberations, or potential outcome of this case until the Court issues its final written Order. The Court emphasizes that speculation or commentary apart from its full and reasoned judgment risks confusion and unnecessary controversy.
Timeline for Deliberation and Decision
The Court now enters deliberation. A final written Order will be issued within sixty (60) days (on or before December 16, 2025) from the official close of the record.
Communication with the Court
No direct contact with members of the Court is permitted during deliberation. All necessary communications shall continue through the Court’s administrative email used since the pre-trial phase. Similarly, no communication other than that issued on behalf of the court in writing served upon both parties and made of record in these proceedings shall be made by any member of this Court.
Continuing Duty of Confidentiality and Respect
All participants are reminded of their ongoing duty to uphold the confidentiality, charity, and integrity of these proceedings, in accordance with the Church’s canonical and pastoral standards.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Confidentiality Agreement previously entered into, maintaining the freedom necessary for the effective presentation of their respective positions while upholding the integrity and decorum of the proceedings. The members of the Court were likewise reminded of their continuing obligations under the same confidentiality provisions.
Previous Orders of the Court Confidentiality Statement of the Court for the Trial of a Bishop – Anglican Church in North America
The Trial Court of a Bishop operates under a strict Confidentiality Order governing all aspects of its proceedings. This Order is binding upon all members of the Court, the Respondent and his counsel, the Provincial Prosecutor and his staff—whether current or former—and any individual assisting the prosecution or the Court with respect to the present matter pending before this Court.
This confidentiality mandate exists to preserve the integrity of the Court’s proceedings and to guard against the dissemination of partial or misleading information that may arise when matters under adjudication are discussed outside the bounds of the processes established by our Constitution and Canons.
This Court cannot overemphasize the seriousness with which it regards the confidentiality of these proceedings. Any breach of these provisions undermines both the canonical process and the witness of the Church. The Court has observed with grave concern the destructive nature of social media narratives that rely upon sources, information, and speculation disconnected from the canonical and constitutional processes of the Anglican Church in North America. Such narratives have caused serious and disturbing consequences to the integrity of ecclesiastical order and to the reputation of individuals and institutions involved.
The consequence of any breach of confidentiality under the Orders of this Court will be addressed by this Court in its Final Order and not outside the bounds of the canonical processes and authority established by the Constitution and Canons of the ACNA, and will be submitted for further consideration to the Office of the Archbishop and the College of Bishops, as well as any appropriate governing bodies as it relates to members of the bar practicing before this Court.
The President of this Court, the Right Reverend David Bryan, respectfully requests your full understanding and faithful observance of these confidentiality obligations. Only by maintaining this discipline can the Church ensure the fairness, credibility, and spiritual integrity of its judicial processes.
Formal Closing of the Record and Adjournment for Deliberations
Having completed the evidentiary phase of the trial and received all testimony, evidence, and argument in the matter of The Right Reverend Stewart E. Ruch III, on this day, October 13, 2025, this Ecclesiastical Court now concludes its proceedings.
The Court gives thanks to Almighty God for His sustaining grace throughout this process, and to all who have served with diligence, prayerfulness, and integrity in the discharge of their duties. We commend the spirit of order, patience, and respect shown by all parties, counsel, witnesses during these proceedings.
During the course of this trial—spanning two distinct phases—the Court received testimony over the course of ten (10) days, including multiple evening sessions, reflecting the seriousness and diligence with which both sides presented their cases. The Court received approximately 10,000 pages of documents, exhibits, and affidavits, and heard the sworn testimony of many witnesses, whose participation contributed substantially to the completeness of the record now before the Court.
LET IT BE NOTED FOR THE RECORD THAT THE ECCLESIASTICAL COURT FOR THE TRIAL OF A BISHOP IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA NOW STANDS ADJOURNED FOR DELIBERATIONS, SUBJECT ONLY TO THE ISSUANCE OF ITS FORMAL JUDGMENT ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 16, 2025, AND ANY SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS AS REQUIRED BY THE CANONS OF THIS CHURCH.
Entered into the Record
By Order of this Court, the contents of this Provincial Update shall be made a matter of Record in the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Trial of a Bishop In the Matter of the Rt. Rev. Stewart Ruch, III, and shall be preserved as part of the official documentation of this Court.
We commend all involved to the mercy and guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is Himself the righteous Judge of all.
This 15th Day of October 2025
