November 26, 2025

Beloved in Christ.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we prepare to observe Thanksgiving here in the United States, I am mindful that gratitude is both a command and a gift. Scripture calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV). Thanksgiving in this season does not ignore the weight we carry as a Province; rather, it anchors us again in the steadfast goodness of the Lord, who remains faithful, sovereign, and near to His people. I pray that your homes, your congregations, and your ministries will be filled with the peace of Christ as you gather to give thanks.

Within this spirit of gratitude, we also recognize The Anglican Church in North America finds itself in a season marked by real challenges. There are voices that need to be heard. There are processes that require honest review. There are difficult, candid conversations that must take place for the sake of accountability and the health of Christ’s Church and I want to update you on several matters currently before us, and ask for your prayers.

1. Archbishop Steve Wood

On Sunday, November 16, Archbishop Stephen D. Wood was inhibited from the exercise of ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in North America. During this inhibition, and with the support of the Executive Committee, Archbishop Wood is on paid leave.

A presentment against Archbishop Wood has been referred to a Board of Inquiry that has now been impanelled. A Board of Inquiry investigates charges brought against an accused person. Members of the Board hear accusations, evaluate testimony and supporting evidence, and then determine whether, upon the matters of law and fact presented to them, reasonable grounds exist to put the accused to trial.

Pray for the members of the Board of Inquiry, for those who have made accusations, for those who have offered testimony, and for our Archbishop, his wife, and their family. Updates will be posted here. 

2. Bishop Derek Jones

A presentment has also been received against Bishop Derek Jones and submitted to a Board of Inquiry. We await their findings following their careful review. You can follow developments here. 

3. Bishop Stewart Ruch

The matter concerning Bishop Stewart Ruch has been fully considered by the Court, which will render a verdict by December 16, 2025. I ask you to join me in diligent prayer for all who have been wounded or deeply affected in connection with these events, for Bishop Ruch and his family, and for the clergy and people of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. May the Lord grant healing where there is hurt, light where there is confusion, and steadfast hope in the mercy of Christ for all who are involved. 

The College of Bishops

The College of Bishops will gather in person on December 3–4. As we come together, we will seek the mind of Christ for His Church, speak with one another in honesty and clarity, and engage in the kind of open, brotherly conversation that strengthens our common life. My desire is that this time will help us walk in the light together, pursue repentance where needed, and deepen our shared commitment to the gospel and to the people we serve. I ask for your prayers for the bishops as we meet, and I assure you of mine.

A Commitment to Clear and Open Communication

You can expect prompt and straightforward updates from me as matters unfold across our provincial life. Our unity depends upon trust, and trust requires transparency. Whether the news we receive brings relief or sorrow, clarity or complexity, I will share it with you, as I am able.

Additionally, in the next few weeks I want to invite you to gather with others from across the Province in two distinct ways: 

• First, for Evening Prayer led by some of our bishops on December 1, 15, and 22nd at 8:00pm EST/5:00 PST. This will offer a time for us to share in Christ’s Word and pray together.
• Second, for a series of Provincial “Office Hours” hosted by myself and key members of the Executive Team on Dec 12 and 19 at 12:00pm EST/9:00PST to answer questions or address concerns you may have during this season. 

For more information about these events and to register visit the Provincial Connections page on our website. 

A Testimony of Ministry in the Province

I am deeply encouraged by the faithfulness and vitality I have recently witnessed across our Province: church planters laboring in challenging contexts, chaplains ministering in hospitals, prisons, and the armed forces, and clergy shepherding the people of God with steadfast devotion. Across our Province, the gospel is bearing fruit. 

Brothers and sisters, this is a sober season. Yet we do not lose heart.  Our confidence is in Jesus Christ, who remains Lord of His Church. And our hope stands firm in the gospel “which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, ESV).

Advent Resources

As we enter the season of Advent, we lift our eyes toward the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Advent calls us to watchfulness, repentance, hope, and renewed confidence in the promises of God. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2, ESV). In this holy season, we prepare our hearts again for the One who comes to make all things new.

The Anglican Relief & Development Fund (ARDF), along with several of our other Ministry Partners, has prepared several helpful Advent resources for congregations across our Province. These materials are designed to strengthen the mission of local churches, deepen intercession for the global Church, and draw our attention to the ways Christ is at work among the nations. I commend these resources to every congregation. They may be accessed at: https://ardf.org/resources-for-your-church

This Advent season, I also invite you to support the work of the ACNA and its mission to reach North America with the transformative love of Jesus Christ as we reflect on Christ as The Rising Sun, the Light of Hope. 

Thanksgiving and Remembrance 

Finally, in this season of gratitude, I am reminded that in 2009, we came together as the Anglican Church in North America with a common commitment: to reach North America with the transforming love of Jesus Christ. This remains our calling today. I remain committed to this mission, and invite you to join me in renewed faithfulness to the gospel, renewed confidence in the Scriptures, and renewed expectation that the Lord will build His Church. We are not left desolate (John 14:18).  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). 

May the Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, guide us in truth, anchor us in charity, and strengthen us in His service.

The Rt. Reverend Julian M. Dobbs

Dean of the Province, Anglican Church in North America