Our news page features abuse-related ACNA news and updates with commentary written by the ACNAtoo team.
Mark Rivera Update
Mark Rivera’s bench trial began yesterday, July 12, but did not conclude as expected. The judge and prosecution were eager to complete the trial this week, but the defense attorney was firm that the soonest time she was available to continue was September. The trial will therefore not resume until September 2 at 1:30pm.
Mark Rivera’s Trial
On Tuesday, July 12, Mark Rivera is scheduled to stand trial for sexual assault of a victim under 13 years of age. The trial is scheduled to start at 9 am at the Kane County Judicial Center in Illinois.
Celebrating our one year anniversary
We’re taking a publishing break from June 13 to June 20.
BISHOP ATKINSON INHIBITED
Three bishops have signed a Presentment alleging Bishop Atkinson of the Via Apostolica Missionary District has violated Title IV Canon 2 of the Anglican Church in North America. Bishop Atkinson has been inhibited from ministry pending the outcome of the Title IV process.
Investigation Concludes at Church of the Redeemer
In January 2022, the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others (C4SO) engaged Pellucid Consulting (Pellucid) to assess reports of actions not appropriate for clergy involving Midwest Dean Jay Greener at Church of the Redeemer in Highwood, Illinois. The completed assessment was delivered to C4SO leaders in May.
ACNAtoo Statement on the SBC Report
ACNAtoo stands in solidarity with the survivors of abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Statement from ACNAtoo on #BelieveUsToo
ACNAtoo’s statement in response to the recent letter by #BelieveUsToo
Update on Dean Steve Williamson's Decision to Reinstate Dcn. McIntyre
Dean Steve Williamson reinstates Deacon Val McIntyre with apology despite being thoroughly briefed on her pastoral malpractice.
Update: C4SO hires Mullen to investigate Greener
On January 24, Bishop Todd Hunter provided an update to the Church of the Redeemer mailing list announcing that Wade Mullen has been hired to investigate the reports concerning Rev. Jay Greener.
A Resignation Letter from 3 Members of the Provincial Response Team
Today the following letter was provided to an ACNAtoo survivor advocate (with permission to share and publish as they saw fit) by Autumn Hanna VandeHei, the Rev. Gina Roes, LCMHC; and Christen Price, JD; former members of the Provincial Response Team. It was written with the support of Executive Committee member Albert Thompson and is published in its entirety below as the authors wish for their concerns to be shared widely.
A Response to the Provincial Investigation
Survivors’ concerns regarding Husch Blackwell remain firmly in place as the ACNA has not agreed to publish the contract they will sign with the investigator. While the ACNA has included a few of the requested best practices in their announcement, they have neglected some of the most pivotal items that ensure the safety of the rest.
Petition protesting insufficient investigation of sexual abuse & mishandling allegations gains 400+ signatures
ACNAtoo press release regarding the petition to the Provincial Response Team of the Anglican Church of North America.
Former Anglican lay pastor Mark Rivera released on bond again
Sexual abuse advocacy group ACNAtoo released a statement today regarding former ACNA lay pastor Mark Rivera’s release from Kane County Adult Justice Center.
Breaking: Mark Rivera released on bond
On January 11, Mark Rivera’s required 10% of his 150,000 bond was paid and he was released back into the community with only an ankle monitor.
On January 7, 2022, Mark Rivera’s bail was increased by $150,000 for allegedly sexually assaulting Joanna Rudenborg while he was out on bond on 9 counts of felony child sexual assault.
We will update our readers as we have more information.
Petition protesting insufficient investigation of sexual abuse & mishandling allegations gains over 150 signatories in 24 hours
ACNAtoo press release regarding the petition to the Provincial Response Team of the Anglican Church of North America.
An Update Regarding Mark Rivera
After being free on bond for 2 years on 9 felony counts of sexually assaulting a child, former ACNA catechist Mark Rivera was re-arrested yesterday on 2 felony counts of criminal sexual assault of Joanna Rudenborg. This morning at his bond hearing, Rivera was released on personal recognizance and not required to pay bond.
Statement on reports within C4SO and ACNAtoo’s Approach to Conflicts of Interest
ACNAtoo's statement regarding reports of actions not appropriate for clergy involving C4SO Midwest Dean Jay Greener at Church of the Redeemer in Highwood, Illinois, and our approach to conflicts of interest.
Cn. Beasley’s Retirement & Leave
Announcement by Fr. Alex Cameron (Diocese of the Upper Midwest) regarding the retirement and additional leave of absence of Cn. William Beasley.
BISHOP ATKINSON TAKES LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The expanded scope of the Provincial review has led to the Rt. Rev. Todd Atkinson taking a leave of absence amidst allegations of misconduct.
PROVINCE ACCEPTS UPPER MIDWEST REQUEST TO EXPAND SCOPE OF INQUIRY
Archbishop Foley Beach writes on behalf of the Executive Committee to share that the Province has accepted the Diocese of the Upper Midwest's request to expand the scope of its inquiry.