Clarity and Candor amid Clandestine Claims

JAFC Refutes False Narrative from ACNA Archbishop's Office

PELHAM, AL – The Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC) issued a statement in response to a press release from the Office of the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). The JAFC notes that the Archbishop’s letter presents a false and misleading account of the events concerning both the JAFC and Bishop Derek Jones.

Inaccurate Account of Events

The letter from the Archbishop's office inaccurately portrays the sequence of events and conflates distinct matters. Most notably, it misrepresents the relationship between the JAFC and the composition of the ACNA’s Title I, Canon 11. It was mutually understood and agreed upon during the JAFC’s transition from the Church of Nigeria to the ACNA that Canon 11 would be inoperative. This agreement was made in recognition of the JAFC's unique history and structure, which was established in 2007, prior to the formation of the ACNA.

Charges Against Bishop Derek Jones

Rather than relying on the Archbishop’s unsubstantiated narrative, the JAFC's Executive Committee encourages the public and fellow clergy to view the linked video below. In this video, Bishop Jones directly addresses the charges against him, providing a chronological, transparent, and factual account of the situation. Bishop Jones has consistently stated his full cooperation with any lawful investigation or accountability process. His only requirement is that such proceedings be conducted in accordance with established legal and canonical norms.

View Full Video

• History of the JAFC and the Complications of Canon 11 (5:58)

• Charges against Bishop Jones (20:55)

• Response from JAFC Chancellor (30:50)

• Provincial Reply and JAFC Response (37:40)

• Correspondence between Archbishop Duncan and Bishop Jones (51:00)

• Discussion of Inhibition (56:00)

Refusal of Reconciliation 

Several ACNA Bishops reached out to Bishop Jones, requesting that he consider having a conversation with Archbishop Wood with the aim of initiating reconciliation. Bishop Jones readily agreed, encouraging these ACNA Bishops to move forward. Regrettably, Archbishop Wood vehemently refused their requests for attempts toward reconciliation.

Contact:

JAFC Communications Office

communications@anglicanchaplains.org

www.anglicanchaplains.org