Leader of conservative Anglican denomination takes leave while facing misconduct claims

The top leader of the Anglican Church in North America — a conservative denomination that broke away from the more liberal Episcopal Church about 15 years ago — has taken a leave of absence after facing allegations of sexual and other misconduct, which he denies. Archbishop Stephen Wood announced the leave Monday while he awaits the outcome of a church disciplinary process triggered by a formal complaint, called a presentment, of alleged misconduct against him. The presentment has not yet been made public, but an investigative report by The Washington Post said it alleged Wood tried to kiss a former children's ministry director at his parish in 2024, shortly before he was elected archbishop.