There is an ever-continuing discussion about whether or not progressive Anglicans are succeeding in winning the battle for the future of the ACNA. This is quite a difficult thing to measure, and it’s very easy to get lost in the vibes, but one way that we can evaluate this is by measuring the past against the present. I recently was reminded of the “Dear Gay Anglicans” open letter from 2021. It caused quite the controversy at the time although in some ways seems to have been forgotten now. It of course came during what is now referred to as “peak woke,” and the cultural winds in many ways seem to be blowing against the purpose of that letter, but at the same time, I think it provides a good marker for us to evaluate against. If the ACNA were to be shifting in an increasingly more and more progressive direction, the primary signatories of that letter would likely have increased in stature and prominence within the province. Let us look at then versus now.
Pieter Valk (primary force behind and author of the letter)
Position in 2021: Director of EQUIP, Founder of the Nashville Family of Brothers, seeking ordination in ACNA
Today: Still Director of EQUIP, no longer with the Nashville Family of Brothers, appears to have made no progress seeking ordination in ACNA.
The Rev Dcn Colin Fagan
Position in 2021: Campus Minister for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Nashville, TN, Deacon in C4SO.
Today: Left the ACNA, Deacon at LGBTQ+ affirming Luminous Parish.
The Rev Canon David W Ketter III
Position in 2021: Priest at New Life Anglican Fellowship, Canon for Liturgy.
Today: Left the ACNA, priest in the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches.
The Rev Alastair Sterne
Position in 2021: Lead Pastor at St. Peter’s Fireside, Vancouver, B.C.
Today: Left the ACNA, Associate Pastor, Coastline Church, Victoria, B.C. (non-denom church).
The Rev Thomas McKenzie
Position in 2021: Rector of Church of the Redeemer, Nashville, TN, Author of The Anglican Way.
Today: Tragically deceased in August of 2021.
Dr. William Witt
Position in 2021: Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics, Trinity School for Ministry, Author of Icons of Christ.
Today: Retired.
The Rev Joshua Steele
Position in 2021: Managing Editor of Anglican Compass, Priest at Church of the Savior, Wheaton, IL (C4SO)
Today: No longer Managing Editor of Anglican Compass, has left ministry entirely.
The Rev Canon Teresa (Tracey) Russell and The Rev Jamey Russell
Positions in 2021: Canon for Discipleship (Tracey) and Co-Rectors of Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, PA.
Today: the Russells are still co-rectors of Trinity Church. Tracey Russell no longer appears to be the Canon for Discipleship for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
The Very Rev Peet Dickinson
Position in 2021: Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke & St. Paul, Charleston, SC (since 2009)
Today: Unchanged.
The Rev Canon Patrick Schlabs
Position in 2021: Canon for Cultural Engagement at the Cathedral Church of St Luke & St Paul, Charleston, SC.
Today: Unchanged.
The Rev Dr Jack Gabig
Position in 2021: Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Trinity School for Ministry, Priest in Diocese of Pittsburgh
Today: Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Chaplain for Community Soul Care, Trinity Anglican Seminary (formerly Trinity School for Ministry), Ambridge, PA; Affiliate Professor, Nashotah House
The Rev Dr Greg Peters
Position in 2021: Rector of Church of the Epiphany (REC), La Mirada, CA, Professor in the Torrey Honors College, Biola University.
Today: Unchanged + now at Nashotah House.
The Rev Andrew Unger
Position in 2021: Priest in Charge at All Souls’ Anglican Church, Wheaton, IL, Co-host of Young Anglicans Podcast.
Today: Associate Rector for Youth and Family, St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Copley (Akron), OH (Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes); now styled Canon; chairs the 2026 diocesan bishop search committee
The Rev Dr Kelly Madden
Position in 2021: Executive Director of the Boston Fellows, Priest in Anglican Diocese in New England
Today: No longer Executive Director, still listed as a priest in Anglican Diocese in New England, but with no parochial affiliation.
The Rev Dr Jonathan Parker
Position in 2021: Assistant Professor of Religion at Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, Priest in Diocese of the South.
Today: Unchanged.
The Rev Dr Jonathan Huggins
Position in 2021: Chaplain at Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, Priest in Diocese of the South.
Today: Unchanged, although it does not appear there is a formal relationship with Diocese of the South.
The Rev Isaac Bradshaw
Position in 2021: Priest at St Brendan’s Church, Maryville, TN.
Today: No current diocesan or parochial affiliation found, although he does still appear to be active in ACNA via online comments.
The Rev Johnmark Smith
Position in 2021: Youth Pastor at Church of the Redeemer, Nashville, TN.
Today: ACNA priest, Church Planter in Residence at Church of the Redeemer, Nashville, planting Immanuel Anglican Church, Columbia, TN.
As we can see, this is not the group that has taken over the ACNA. Pieter Valk’s movement in the ACNA did not succeed. A number of the clergy listed here have left the ACNA entirely. Thomas McKenzie, a prominent leader of the progressive wing of the province, tragically passed away soon after the letter’s release. William Witt, one of the significant progressive intellectuals within the ACNA, has retired. Joshua Steele, who once controlled the primary media organ of the ACNA, Anglican Compass, and who was active in promoting progressive voices, is no longer a figure in the ACNA. The other primary signatories have had no significant positive shifts, with perhaps the exception of Andrew Unger, who played a key role in the election of Christopher Klukas as the new Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of the Great Lakes, and who will sit on the left wing of the College of Bishops.
This is not to say that progressives do not still have a significant presence within the province. They do. But they have not run the table.