Response and Reassurance of Reliability

Pelham, AL - The Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy^® (JAFC) responds to the ACNA's latest press release. The JAFC sets the record straight and reassures chaplains of the enduring nature of their endorsement.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with each of you and your families.

In times of uncertainty, we are called to anchor ourselves in truth and find peace in God's unchanging faithfulness. Last evening's press release from the ACNA contained claims about Archbishop Wood's interactions with the Armed Forces Chaplains Board that are simply false and misleading. We write to you for the sake of Truth and your peace of mind.

The ACNA deceptively quotes COL Dave Wake of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board (AFCB), wanting you to believe the AFCB supports their assertion that they created and oversee the JAFC—and you!  CH Wake has verified that the ACNA is not currently, nor has it ever been, an authorized endorser registered with the AFCB. The ACNA, again, attempts to pretend that they are us—the JAFC, which has been an endorser since before the ACNA was formed.  Bishop Jones remains the legally authorized endorser for the JAFC on record with the AFCB. Additionally, the ACNA’s newly elected endorser is currently not authorized to serve as an endorser. So it may take even more time for them to sort things out with the AFCB.

Should the ACNA choose to pursue recognition as an endorsement body with the AFCB, a process that, to date, they have yet to initiate, it is unlikely to happen as quickly as they have claimed. The JAFC will continue to hold safe all endorsements for our chaplains. Those who desire to depart from the JAFC to whatever endorsing body is created or identified for the ACNA—or to another faith group entirely, because of the debacle the ACNA has created—will be released.

We recognize how challenging it can be to discern truth amid confusion created by the ACNA’s purposefully false narratives. This is precisely why our Lord calls us to remain steadfast in our spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and Christian fellowship. These sacred practices ground us in God's truth and provide clarity when human integrity falls short.

Know that each of you is being faithfully held in prayer. You are deeply loved, and every member of the JAFC staff is working diligently to protect both the ministry and the integrity of our Anglican Chaplains™ family.

May God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.