The lead prosecutor in the trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch has resigned following the actions of one of the members of the court. The jurist had, it is claimed, introduced evidence in an improper manner that undermined the trial’s fair processes.
The news was first shared in an email sent out by Presiding Bishop Steve Wood around 8pm on Sunday evening:
July 20, 2025
To the Bishops, Clergy, Lay Leaders, and People of the Anglican Church in North America
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evening as I write with a heavy heart regarding a significant and regrettable development in the ongoing disciplinary trial concerning Bishop Ruch.
In an unsettling and surprising development, the Provincial Prosecutor submitted his resignation to me and withdrew from the proceedings late this afternoon.
Following this, the Court for the Trial of a Bishop inquired about my intention regarding the prosecution of the case. In accordance with the canons of the Church, I have instructed the Chancellor of the Province to notify the Court that I will begin the work of identifying and appointing a new prosecutor.
This is a serious and concerning situation for the Church. I will keep you informed in real time as I learn more.
I ask for your continued prayers. I remain confident that Christ will lead us forward as we seek to honor Him in all things.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
UPDATE: A follow-up letter from Archbishop Wood (7/21/25)
The previous day, the Provincial Prosecutor, C Alan Runyan, had written to the Primate. The letter sets out Runyan’s understanding of the events that precipitated his resignation and the impossible position he found himself in:
