Faith Facts

• ACNA Archbishop Stephen Wood is suspended from ministry for 60 days as an investigation into abuse allegations continues.
• Church leaders emphasize the suspension does not imply guilt or innocence and is meant to aid the integrity of the process.
• The Anglican Church in North America, founded in 2009, represents over 1,000 churches committed to biblical principles.

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, Stephen Wood, has been temporarily suspended from all ministry duties while an independent inquiry investigates serious allegations against him.

This 60-day suspension, announced by ACNA leadership, was supported by five senior bishops and is meant to uphold fairness and integrity as the process unfolds.

The Right Rev. Julian M. Dobbs clarified, “This action does not determine guilt or innocence, nor does it pre-judge any allegation or future proceeding.”

Members of the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina advocated for this step, stressing the need for a process free from interference so the truth may come to light.

Last month, an article raised concerns about Wood’s conduct as rector at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, bringing allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety to the forefront of the investigation.

A formal complaint, supported by four presbyters and seven lay members, prompted a board of inquiry to review these claims thoroughly.

The Most Rev. Ray Sutton announced Wood’s voluntary leave and will oversee the archbishop’s responsibilities during this season of reflection for the ACNA.

Sutton encouraged believers to lift up the church and all involved in prayer, stating, “Let us keep in mind that God works all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).”

Founded in 2009, ACNA stands strong as a denomination built on fidelity to God’s Word, with a deep commitment to truth and justice as these events are prayerfully considered.

Let’s continue to pray for all affected and trust God’s wisdom to guide the church as it seeks to uphold faith, transparency, and accountability.

Read the full article at The Christian Post

Faith Facts

• Physical attacks against Christians increased from 232 in 2023 to 274 in 2024.
• Arson attacks on churches nearly doubled, reaching 94 incidents this year.
• Radical ideologies and legal challenges continue to threaten Christian faith across Europe.

Violence and intimidation against Christians have sharply increased in Europe, as detailed by a recent OIDAC Europe report. The uptick in physical assaults and church arsons reflects deepening hostility toward Christians, rooted in both radical ideologies and shifting social attitudes.

The report reveals that although total hate crimes against Christians decreased from the previous year, the severity and violence of the incidents have intensified. Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, and Austria recorded the highest numbers of anti-Christian attacks.

Among the most shocking incidents was the murder of a Catholic friar in Spain, committed by an intruder declaring himself “Jesus Christ.” Seven others suffered injuries during this tragic assault.

Another targeted attack saw ISIS-affiliated gunmen storm the Church of Santa Maria in Istanbul during Sunday Mass, taking the life of a man about to convert and embrace baptism.

France has endured devastating arson, including the destruction of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer, only weeks after another historic cathedral in Rouen was lost to fire. These attacks evoke memories of the Notre-Dame de Paris tragedy.

Elon Musk has voiced concern over what he views as Europe’s immigration crisis contributing to such events.

OIDAC Europe independently verified 516 hate crimes, with vandalism, theft, and burglaries raising the total to 1,503. Germany accounted for a third of church arsons, prompting religious leaders to warn that “all taboos have been broken” amid desecrations that include defiled confessionals and beheaded statues of Christ.

The report attributes many of the attacks to radical Islam, radical left-wing ideology, and, in some cases, satanic influence. Legal challenges against Christians are rising, from prosecutions for silent prayer outside abortion clinics to court rulings against faith-based schools and Christian parents.

OIDAC Europe urges the European Union to act, advocating for the appointment of a special coordinator to address anti-Christian hostility, much like those already exist for antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.

As Christians, we are called to stand firm in faith, uphold truth, and pray for both our brothers and sisters under threat and the transformation of society. May our voice for religious liberty remain bold and rooted in biblical convictions.

Read the full report here

Faith Facts

• Over 1.2 million refugees have crossed from Sudan into neighboring South Sudan, with 823,557 of them returning to their homeland after years of displacement.
• Christian and Muslim communities in refugee camps have found understanding and respect despite decades of prior conflict between their nations and religions.
• Faith-based ministries play a key role in providing not only material support but also spiritual guidance and trauma care for both new arrivals and returnees.

Communities in South Sudan are witnessing unprecedented cooperation and grace as refugees from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds come together, moving past a painful history shaped by religious strife.

This unity stands as a testament to God’s power to heal and redeem, even when resources are stretched thin and challenges are great.

“We have not seen animosity between the two (religious groups),” James Wani, Country Director of Christian Aid, testified. “Actually, there is an increased understanding between Muslims and their Christian brothers. The perception that Muslims in the North had of Christians was different before.”

Faith-based organizations provide food, shelter, and medical care, but above all, they offer Christ-centered comfort and hope to restore those who have endured war and loss.

“We are using our faith-based connections to ensure that pastoral services help people overcome the trauma of conflict,” Wani explained. “We’re especially focused on those exposed to sexual and gender-based violence who have experienced horrific situations on the way to the refugee camps.”

In a world weary from division, the example set by these South Sudanese camps calls believers everywhere to show compassion and work for unity rooted in biblical love.

Read more at Christian Daily