Thread by @ianshapira

NEW THREAD 🧵 The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) is now calling Archbishop Steve Wood's paid leave of absence a "voluntary inhibition," according to the church's spokeswoman. Wood has been on leave in the wake of sexual misconduct and bullying allegations against him.

The church spokeswoman told me that Wood initially requested ACNA's Executive Committee "grant him the ability to take a paid leave of absence, or voluntary inhibition, as a matter of conscience to abide by the same counsel he had previously offered other clergy under his care."

ACNA's "Constitution and Canons" state that Archbishops can be inhibited by the approval of four of the five senior-most diocesan bishops. In other words, inhibitions are typically something imposed on someone, rather than self-imposed.

But in this case, ACNA's Exec Comm. in consultation with its top lawyer Bill Nelson approved Wood's request for a voluntary inhibition on Nov. 1, according to the church spokeswoman. The College of Bishops met on Nov. 3 and then approved the plan.

The term "voluntary inhibition" seems significant to me in light of the growing number of clergy now calling for Wood's inhibition. Bishop Chip Edgar of the South Carolina diocese said he's urged his fellow bishops to impose an inhibition on Wood. adosc.org/wp-content/upl…

"Voluntary inhibition" also seems important because it's not a term used in Wood's own letter announcing the leave of absence. Nor was it used in ACNA's press statement or in the letter by the bishop assuming his canonical duties during the leave.

A new petition circulating online by ACNA clergy is also calling for his inhibition. "Given the seriousness of the charges against our Archbishop (sexual harassment and abuse of power), we believe that a voluntary leave of absence is insufficient," the petition says.

It also says: "Canonically, a voluntary leave of absence allows the Archbishop to return to office when he sees fit. Instead, we suggest that the Archbishop be inhibited until the conclusion of the trial that will determine his guilt or innocence."

The document was authored by four people and has more than 60 signatures. docs.google.com/document/d/1d2…

Here is Bishop Chip Edgar's letter: adosc.org/wp-content/upl…

Here is my story in the Washington Post that publicly aired the allegations against Wood. Take the time to read the article and watch the video showing Claire Buxton recounting her allegations against Archbishop Wood. washingtonpost.com/investigations…

Here is my second story describing new allegations from Jane Doe 1 against Wood, plus an extensive affidavit against Wood from ACNA's longtime former spokesman Andrew Gross who accused Wood of regular attempts to “deceive and manipulate leaders and staff.” washingtonpost.com/investigations…

In advance of the second story, I sent a list of questions to Wood. Since he's on a paid leave, I asked him to disclose his salary and if he was receiving that full salary during his paid leave. I also asked him why he felt a paid leave was appropriate rather than an upaid leave.

His reply: "In consultation with my legal advisors, I respectfully decline to comment at this time." He cited confidentiality requirements and said he'd make a more "robust response" at a more appropriate time.