2018
The AMiA splits again, with some clergy leaving to form the Anglican Union For The Propagation Of The Gospel: A Confraternity Of Oratories.
September 2018
ACNA holds a Conclave on the subject of Holy Orders.
27 November 2018
Twelve Canadian Anglican priests write to Bishop Charlie Masters citing concerns about Todd Atkinson.
“Some of us are troubled by the apparent claim to extra-biblical revelation from the pulpit by Bishop Todd. Others have raised concerns that the “unique discipleship method” of Via Apostolica may incline toward “Heavy Shepherding” with its unaccountable reliance on one leader.
12 March 2019
A joint committee of representatives from ACNA and the Church of Nigeria met in Houston regarding clear lines of authority for CANA dioceses.
2 May 2019
ACNA announces an agreement with the Church of Nigeria that provides that CANA become solely a mission of the Church of Nigeria but allows three dioceses (Cana East, Cana West, Trinity) to make their own decision regarding provincial relationships.
17 May 2019
Christ Our Light Anglican Church (COLA)—was a church plant located in Big Rock, Illinois, established by members of Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton under the oversight of the Greenhouse Movement within the Anglican Diocese of the Upper Midwest.
A woman’s 9-year-old daughter tells her that Mark Rivera has been sexually abusing her. Rivera was a trusted lay leader there, a “catechist.” He was involved in worship leadership, pastoral care, treasurer duties, and vestry service at COLA.
21 May 2019
CANA East became the Anglican Diocese of the Living Word after withdrawing its membership from the Church of Nigeria to become solely a diocese of ACNA.
September 2019
The Rev. Hamilton Smith, rector of St. Thomas’ Church in Mount Pleasant, SC, writes to Bishop Steve Wood: “I do not feel you have moral authority required to hold the office of Bishop.”
Wood preached sermons he did not write and tried to pass them off as his own work, Smith alleged. During staff meetings, Wood publicly shamed and cursed at colleagues, the letter said. Smith also questioned a $60,000 truck provided by the diocese for Wood’s church visits, noting that Wood mentioned the vehicle to him only in the context of Wood’s hunting trips. (Washington Post)
Wood responds: “As you note at the end of your letter I do have a different perspective on the items you enumerate,” Wood wrote. “Please continue to pray for me/us.”
September 2019
The Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC) requests an investigation into Bishop Julian Dobbs for “missing funds not reported on the financial statements of CANA, totaling more than $48,000″according to Bishop Derek Jones.
22 November 2019
An independent investigation of Father Eric Dudley from Saint Peter’s Anglican Cathedral in the Gulf Atlantic Diocese of ACNA finds that he “…engaged in sexual misconduct against certain adult staff members and one other non-staff adult, abused his authority as an employer and priest and emotionally harmed those in his charge.”
Dudley is deposed and barred from ministry in ACNA.
April 2020
“Due to the inaction of ACNA, JAFC contacted the IRS concerning Bishop Dobbs.” (Derek Jones/JAFC court filing)
May 2020
According to Bishop Jones, ACNA appointed Bishop David Anderson to investigate Bishop Dobbs at this time.
2 June 2020
ACNA Bishop Ron Jackson admitted to the use of pornography over many years and pleaded guilty to the charges of sexual immorality (Canon IV.2(6)) and conduct giving just cause for scandal or offense (Canon IV.2(4)).
The College of Bishops voted to impose the sentence of deposition from the sacred ministry on Bishop Jackson. His holy orders have been removed, and he is no longer permitted to engage in ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in North America.
December 2020
CANA was dissolved and the Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM) was established with the three remaining CANA Dioceses.
January 2021
The ACNA College of Bishops issues a Pastoral Statement on sexuality and identity. It says that “To insist on the adjective “gay,” with all of its cultural attachments, is problematic to the point that we cannot affirm its usage in relation to the word “Christian.””
Bishop Todd Hunter (C4SO) promptly issues his own pastoral guidance on the subject, saying in part, “Policies are blunt instruments…The College of Bishops does not speak with the authority of a magisterium…It is understandable that some feel frustration when we then try to control the language through which celibate, gay brothers and sisters self-identify.”
25 June 2021
Bishop Ray Sutton writes to an Anglican chaplain who had been inhibited by Bishop Derek Jones and tells him: “As for you(r) self-designation and appointment as “whistleblower,” no such category appears in Scripture or our canons.”
July 2021
ACNAtoo, a grassroots advocacy group advocating for survivors of abuse within ACNA, begins organizing.
24 August 2021
ACNA Executive Committee meets in Bremerton, Washington and appoints the members of the Provincial Response Team.
“The Provincial Response Team is tasked with overseeing an investigation into the Diocese of the Upper Midwest’s handling of allegations of misconduct and coordinating the care of survivors. In addition, the Provincial Response Team will collaborate with the canonical review team which will provide feedback to the diocese on ways they might improve their structures and processes.”
29 August 2021
The Province announces that the ACNA Executive Committee has approved the UMD Bishop Council’s request for an expanded scope of inquiry into the situation.
This will eventually result in an additional, concurrent “abuse of power” investigation into the UMD, beyond the scope of the investigation specifically into the alleged mishandling of the Mark Rivera case.
“…it was presented to Council members that it was critical for them to expand the scope as suggested because a Religion News Service article was pending release that would reveal a host of complainants all alleging “spiritual abuse” against Bp. Stewart and his subordinate leaders.”
3 September 2021
Bishop Todd Atkinson takes a leave of absence. “Though geographically located in Canada, the clergy of Via Apostolica are canonically resident in the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. Because of this leave of absence, Atkinson will not be serving as an acting assistant bishop in the Diocese of the Upper Midwest.” https://anglicanchurch.net/bishop-atkinson-takes-leave-of-absence/
September 2021
Bishop Ruch calls Archbishop Beach hoping “…to have a dialogue with you about my leave of absence.”
3 October 2021
Bishop Quigg Lawrence accepts position of Interim Bishop for Via Apostolica.
4 October 2021
William Beasley retires as Missioner General of the Greenhouse Movement.
12 October 2021
“Archbishop Foley…has requested a leave of absence from priestly ministry (teaching, preaching, celebrating the sacraments, etc.) of Canon William Beasley, the recently retired Missioner General of Greenhouse. Canon Beasley’s leave will remain through the expanded investigation overseen by the Province.
6 November 2021
ACNA: “Allegations of misconduct, including the abuse of ecclesiastical power, have been made against Bishop Todd Atkinson. A Provincial Investigative Team has been formed to look into these matters, and is beginning its work.”
11 November 2021
Stewart and Katherine Ruch, with Alec Smith, have a phone conversation with Hawkins. Hawkins promises to have a conversation with Beach about Ruch’s leave.
29 November 2021
Notice of claim letter served on Archbishop Beach. Letter says in part, “We are aware of Bishop Ruch’s statement made on May 4, 2021, which communicated that the abuse never occurred on church property or during church-sponsored events. This self-serving proclamation was both deceptive and lacked a factual basis.”
2 December 2021
Stewart and Katherine Ruch write to Archbishop Beach outlining provincial offenses against them and the UMD, including “…two victim advocates from the PRT called and confronted one of my cathedral staff members for her pastoral care decisions.” He says, “…if even half of my perceptions regarding the way this process has been handled with me and my diocese were accurate, they would amount to the mistreatment of a bishop. I also shared that I am ready to forgive, to understand, and to empathize.”
13 December 2021
Ruch calls Archbishop Beach “…to ask you about your perspective on the possibility of me coming off of leave.”
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