Dear St. Andrew’s Family,

In a continued effort to keep you informed, we are writing to share that the Court for the Trial of a Bishop has again moved the trial date for Archbishop Steve Wood. The date is now September 7-12, 2026 with an extension to September 21-26, if necessary.

You may have read or heard that the Court for the Trial of a Bishop publicly reported that it received complaints from the Prosecution “about the lack of cooperation from the Archbishop’s home parish and that witnesses are afraid to come forward” in their June 30, 2026 “Procedural Update and Statement of the Court.” We understand this may have caused concern, and we want to offer some clarity.

These were complaints reported by the Prosecution—not findings made by the Court itself—and we do not believe they accurately reflect the ways our leadership has cooperated throughout this process, with the involvement of the Rector, Senior Warden, COO, and Vestry. We were disappointed that the Court did not reach out to us directly before including such language in a public statement. From the beginning, we have responded to inquiries from both the Provincial Prosecutor and attorneys for the defense, and we remain committed to continued cooperation.

We also want to speak to the concern about witnesses. Please be assured: from the time the allegations were made against Steve Wood, we have communicated to our staff that they are under no obligation or pressure from the leadership of St. Andrew’s to offer or withhold testimony in these matters. Their continued employment is not threatened, no matter what choice they make. No one should feel afraid. It is also important to know that in this ecclesiastical trial, unlike a civil or criminal trial, no one can be compelled to testify. It is entirely a matter of conscience. I (Randy) have encouraged the staff to prayerfully consider their choices and I respect each person’s individual discernment in this matter and encourage others to do the same.

Our Vestry has sent a letter to the Court expressing our concern about their public comments, offering clarification, and asking that they issue a corrective public statement. We want you to know that St. Andrew’s has been, and will continue to be, cooperative in this matter. We share fully in the Court’s stated goal “to facilitate a fair trial that will enable the truth to come into the light and a just verdict as a result.” Truth and justice are what we all seek.Please continue to pray for all involved – those who have brought allegations, for Steve Wood and his family, for the Court, and the entirety of our St. Andrew’s family.

Peace in Christ,

The Rev’d Canon Randy Forrester
Rector, St. Andrew’s Church

Mike Hughes
Senior Warden for the Vestry