Letter from Amy: November 19, 2025
- Amy Rowe
- Nov 19
- 3 min read
Dear friends,
I am writing with a heavy heart. Archbishop Steve Wood has now been inhibited (suspended from ministry) following accusations of misconduct. You can read more about his inhibition in this letter from the College of Bishops, or in this story from The Washington Post (this is a gift link that should bypass the paywall).
In addition, our bishop, Chris Warner, has written a letter to our diocese that I recommend that everyone read (available here). In this letter, Bishop Chris explains that he declined to read the presentment against Archbishop Wood when approached by complainants earlier this year, and he offers an apology for the harm caused by his decisions. I am grateful for his transparency.
This is weighty and difficult news, and it will take time to process. I am still processing it all myself. As always, if you have questions or would like to talk or pray together, please don't hesitate to reach out.
I am aware that so many of you have experienced harm in the church, sometimes by those entrusted to shepherd the flock (ahem, Sunday's lectionary readings would like a word!). It is no small thing that you continue to follow Jesus and continue to participate in his church. As David's sermon said: "do not discount the gospel of showing up." I am humbled that you keep showing up. I am deeply sorry for the hurt you have experienced. And I, along with our staff and vestry, remain committed to Incarnation being a place of safety for all people, especially the most vulnerable. You can read about our safeguarding policies here.
At the end of this letter, I am sharing a litany that the clergy of our diocese prayed together on the opening night of synod. Katie Hamlin wrote this prayer several years ago, and you might recall that we have prayed it a few times at Incarnation. I invite all of us to pray for those who have been wounded and scandalized by the church in these challenging times.
This Sunday is Christ the King, the final day of the church calendar. We celebrate Christ's inbreaking kingdom, and we long for the day when all creation will be restored to his loving and just rule. Until that day, we cry out: come quickly, King Jesus!
With love,
Amy
A Litany of Healing from Church Wounds
God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: hear our cries as we agonize over the harm done to us and our brothers and sisters.
For those who have been harmed in mind, body, or spirit by the Church: that they may experience healing from shame, isolation, anger, and despair, be listened to with compassion, and treated with dignity. Grant justice to their cause.
God of all comfort
Hear our prayer.
For all who have been scandalized or discouraged by the Church: may they come to trust in Jesus as their only savior and advocate despite the tragic failures of the Church to love them as Christ commanded.
God of all comfort
Hear our prayer.
For those leaders and members of the Church who have harmed others: that they may experience sincere remorse, approach God with sorrow, and repair the damage they have caused.
God of all comfort
Hear our prayer.
For those who failed to protect those entrusted to their care, particularly children and other vulnerable individuals: that they may humbly acknowledge responsibility for betraying the trust placed in them.
God of all comfort
Hear our prayer.
For all those who advocate or care for those harmed by the Church: that their words and actions may be instruments of healing for those they accompany. Protect them from discouragement and despair when healing and justice are slow to come.
God of all comfort
Hear our prayer.
For our Church’s leaders [or for our bishops, priests, and deacons]: that they might be on guard against using deceit, insincerity, and slander to preserve their image, their position, or the Church. Break down all walls of defensiveness and soften all hardness of heart. May our shepherds be known for their wisdom, humility, and gentleness.
God of all comfort
Hear our prayer.
For the whole Church; increase our faith that Christ is refining and upholding his Church so that we might renew our commitment to our congregation, or be rooted in a local church, and serve our neighbors, particularly those who are marginalized.
God of all comfort
Hear our prayer.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in whom you have shared the beauty and pain of human life. Look with compassion upon all for whom we pray, and strengthen us to be your instruments of healing in the world, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.