The American Anglican Council (AAC) announces that the Rt. Rev. Dr. Phil Ashey will be stepping down from his role as President as he devotes his full attention to his new responsibilities as Bishop of the Diocese of the Western Anglicans. This transition marks the close of a remarkable chapter in the AAC’s life and the beginning of an equally promising season of continued partnership and shared mission.

Since 2008, Phil Ashey served the AAC with extraordinary clarity, conviction, and faithfulness during a pivotal period in Anglican life in North America. Under his leadership, the AAC strengthened its core commitments to healthy governance, faithful discipleship, and principled engagement within the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). He brought a rare combination of pastoral wisdom, legal insight, and theological depth to the role, enabling the AAC to navigate moments of challenge while remaining rooted in hope and purpose.

During his tenure, the AAC expanded its work of equipping bishops, clergy, and lay leaders through initiatives such as the Revive workshops, which became a cornerstone mission to support renewal and resilience across the Church. These gatherings have helped leaders address real-world challenges with spiritual maturity, practical tools, and a renewed confidence in the Gospel. As a “PK” and presbyter with experience in clergy family life and church conflict, he also established the ministry of clergy care groups. Phil’s steady leadership ensured that the AAC was not merely responding to crises, but proactively building structures and relationships that will serve the Church for years to come.

Following his graduation from Cardiff University, Wales, with an LL.M in Anglican Canon Law, Phil also expanded the AAC’s role as a global advisor to both the GAFCON Primates Council and the Primates of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA). His book Anglican Conciliarism became a blueprint for the covenantal and conciliar structures that became the GSFA “Cairo Covenant” (2019).

Equally significant was Phil’s role in strengthening the AAC’s institutional footing, leading through seasons of transition, reinforcing good governance, and clarifying its strategic direction. Because of this work, the AAC enters this next chapter not weakened by change, but positioned for continued growth and effectiveness.

Phil’s decision to step aside from the presidency reflects a deepening of his vocational call. As Bishop of the Diocese of the Western Anglicans, he now carries responsibility for shepherding many congregations and clergy across a growing and dynamic diocese that includes Southern California, Arizona, and the five western States of the Yellowstone Missionary District. The demands of episcopal ministry rightly require his full attention, prayer, and energy, and the AAC affirms this transition with gratitude and respect.

Importantly, Phil’s resignation does not signal an end to his relationship with the AAC; on the contrary, the partnership continues. The AAC looks forward to ongoing collaboration with Bishop Ashey, including multiple Revive workshops already planned within his diocese in 2026, as well as the possibility of a “Kingdom focused” diocesan family camp, resourced by Renew ministries. These upcoming gatherings stand as tangible evidence of a shared commitment to the health and flourishing of Anglican communities and to the enduring friendship between the Bishop and the Council he so faithfully served.

As Bishop Phil steps fully into his episcopal calling, the American Anglican Council sends him forward with prayers, gratitude, and great confidence, assured that the work begun together will continue to bear fruit in the life of the Church.