To:  The  Anglican Diocese of South Carolina
 

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Yesterday, Bishop Edgar sent a letter to the clergy of our Diocese expressing his support for those who brought a Presentment against Archbishop Steve Wood. Bishop Edgar also sent a letter to the College of Bishops. urging the senior bishops tasked with calling for an inhibition of the Archbishop to do so.

We, the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, stand with our Bishop in full support of the victims. We, too, urge the College of Bishops to inhibit Archbishop Wood. While he has placed himself on a leave of absence, such leave can be ended at his discretion. An inhibition—though not a statement of guilt or innocence—protects the integrity of the inquiry and ensures that the process needed to seek the truth can proceed without interference.

Some have asked what the Standing Committee has done so far and what our next steps will be. Below is a summary of our actions:

What the ADOSC Standing Committee Has Done

1. Tuesday, November 4: In executive session with Bishop Edgar, Canon Jim Lewis, and our Diocesan Chancellor, Ben Hagood, we reviewed the allegations in the Presentment and heard from Bishop Edgar regarding his role in the process. Together, we affirmed our commitment to support the victims in every way possible.
2. During the Clergy Retreat, Bishop Edgar addressed the clergy directly. Because our lay members on the Standing Committee were not present for that conversation, on Thursday, November 13, we met by Zoom to bring all members—clergy and lay—up to date on these matters.

Agreed-upon Next Steps

1. Next week: We will meet with the ADOSC clergy involved in the Presentment, to hear firsthand how we can best support them.
2. To the Diocese: We issued this letter to express our unified support for our Bishop and for the victims.
3. To the College of Bishops: We will be sending a letter urging them to correct the false narrative that has circulated regarding the victims, and to not only inhibit Archbishop Wood but to issue a godly admonition.

We ask you to keep all who are involved in your prayers—especially the victims, those caring for them, and all who bear responsibility for leadership and discernment in this difficult moment.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all,
The Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina

The Rev. Mary Ellen Doran, President
The Rev. Jeremy Shelton, Vice-President
The Rev. Jamie Sosnowski
The Rev. Corey Prescott
The Rev. Bill Clarkson
Mrs. Lindsay Dew
Mrs. Shirley Wiggins
Mr. Robert Kunes
Mr. Ben Dixon
Mr. Terry Jenkins
Mr. Bobby Kilgo