November 13, 2025
To the Faithful of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina
Grace and peace to you in God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Over the past few weeks, we have all been disturbed by news of charges against the Archbishop by a number of women and men, several of them members of our diocese.
Many have been troubled by the fact that these matters have been playing out in the public media. The frequent charge, heard from the highest levels in the ACNA, that the complainants had gone to the press before they initiated the disciplinary process is not true. I’ve written to the College of Bishops explaining to them that, for over six months the complainants sought a way forward, following the canonical structures of the Anglican Church in North America. I and several other bishops were involved at this preliminary stage. Throughout their efforts, they were stymied by a system that appeared unable to do what it is designed to do (if it is worth noting that this is well known, and a complete overhaul of these Canons is currently underway and should be completed about a year from now). I’ve asked the College for a unified, public apology for these disparaging statements.
Our clergy met and took counsel together about these things on Monday night during our annual Clergy Retreat at the Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, North Carolina. One of the questions we examined was my role as bishop in the progress of the Presentment up and until the charges were formally presented. There has been a question about my support of the Presentment, and, even more, of my support for the clergy and lay people who are making the accusations. I assured our clergy, and want to assure our whole diocese, that I support these men and women in their efforts. I acknowledge it didn’t always seem like I did—I’ve apologized to them and sought their forgiveness, which they have generously given—but I do. Those who brought these charges forward are credible and trustworthy, and the charges they bring are serious. They must be investigated fully, until a trial court can determine guilt or innocence.
In addition, in my letter to the College of Bishops, I urged the senior bishops tasked with calling for an inhibition of the Archbishop to do so. An inhibition makes no judgment as to guilt or innocence in the face of charges. Rather, it is an acknowledgment that continued ministry in the face of serious charges further damages the reputation of the Church.
So today, I invite us all to pray. Further challenges will likely arise—these juridical matters are always fraught—and that will cause further hurt. Pray for everyone involved, and especially those in our diocese. Pray for our Church and our leaders. The Lord will use these matters, as He uses all things, to bring about what is true, just, and good.
Bishop Chip Edgar
