ACNA Bishop Ruch Trial Sees Third Prosecutor Appointment Amid Controversy

Three weeks into the Anglican Church in North America's judicial proceedings against Bishop Stewart Ruch, a new prosecutor has been appointed, marking the third individual to assume this role following previous resignations. Thomas Crapps, a seasoned attorney from Florida with over three decades of legal expertise, will act as the provincial prosecutor, with Frank Shaw III serving as co-counsel, as announced on August 1. Crapps emphasized his dedication to justice, stating, "Ensuring fairness for victims is my primary focus. If victims have been overlooked so far, I am committed to representing their interests faithfully moving forward." Bishop Ruch faces allegations of neglecting the needs of abuse survivors and knowingly allowing individuals with predatory histories into church communities without proper disclosure. The trial, which has been marred by controversy from its inception, aims to determine whether Ruch failed in his duties and violated church bylaws. Earlier, on July 18, prosecutor C. Alan Runyan resigned after just five days of proceedings, citing concerns that a court member had compromised the integrity of the trial by asking questions based on inadmissible evide...