Anglican Church in North America
The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) is a Christian denomination rooted in the Anglican tradition and active primarily in the United States and Canada. It also includes congregations in Mexico, mission churches in Guatemala, and a missionary diocese in Cuba. Headquartered in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, the ACNA reported over 1,000 congregations and more than 130,000 members as of 2024.
Historical Context
The ACNA emerged as part of the Continuing Anglican movement, which represents a realignment within Anglicanism. The movement is characterized by a commitment to the Historic Faith, Doctrine, Sacraments, and Discipline of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, as maintained by the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (GAFCON).
The creation of the ACNA was influenced by gatherings like the Global Anglican Future Conference which advocated for a new ecclesial body in North America that would align with orthodox Anglican values and practices.
Governance and Structure
The ACNA is led by an Archbishop, with its administrative center located in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. The church maintains full communion with several Anglican Global South primates and seeks communion with other provinces that adhere to traditional Anglican doctrines.
Recent Challenges
In 2025, the ACNA faced significant internal challenges when Archbishop Wood became the first archbishop in the denomination's history to face an ecclesiastical presentment over allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and plagiarism. Acting Archbishop Julian Dobbs subsequently faced allegations of financial misconduct, highlighting the ongoing struggles within the church’s leadership.