Popular ‘sixth-generation Presbyterian pastor’ Fired After Admitting Adultery
The senior pastor of one of the largest PCUSA churches in the country has been fired from the pastorate after a yearlong investigation discovered he had engaged in “inappropriate online behavior and extramarital affairs.”
Pendleton Barnes Peery, known as Pen Peery, was the pastor of historic First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, a 2,000-member congregation that is part of the PCUSA. According to his since-deleted church bio, he is a a sixth-generation Presbyterian minister and is married with four children.
Following his termination, he sent the following letter to his congregation, which reads in part:
Dearly beloved members of First Presbyterian, I have difficult news to share. And, oh my, it is difficult on so many levels. Effective immediately, I am very sorry to say that I will no longer be able to be your pastor.
I have broken my marriage vows and (in the process) my ordination vows, behaving in shockingly sinful ways and I desperately need to do the hard work of reckoning and healing.
He continues:
For reasons that I am still exploring with my therapist, Lindsey, and our marriage counselor, five years ago I began a destructive pattern of anonymous but inappropriate activity online, ultimately leading to multiple instances of consensual physical infidelity. What started as a curiosity turned into secret life hidden from the family who loved me and from you. Though I was not involved with anyone from our church, I was reported to the Presbytery of Charlotte.
As a result of the Presbytery’s investigation, I will be temporarily excluded from ordered ministry, censured, and suspended for at least three years. I cannot begin to express how I wish my goodbye would be different. You have supported Lindsey and me, helped nurture our four precious children in the faith, and allowed me to walk with you in hard and holy moments. Serving as your pastor has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I lament all the things I will miss in the years to come.
He concludes:
I am so ashamed. I regret what I have done and who I have hurt. I know my failures will impact you as a community of faith, as well as the staff team with whom I was so fortunate to work….On the most foundational level, of course, I am sorry for the ways I have hurt my wife and children. With a commitment that I do not deserve, Lindsey has chosen to stand by me, to walk with me in my recovery, and to work with me to build back our marriage.
We do not know exactly what the future holds, but we will move forward into it together. I will be abiding by the Presbytery’s covenant with departing pastors and will not be able to be in contact by phone, email, or social media. Being your pastor has been a deep joy. I will pray for you in what is ahead and I pray that you would remember me for more than my worst failures.
AFTER WHAT RC SPROUL JR SAID ABOUT LITTLE KIDS DESERVING TO BE RAPED, ANYONE WHO REMAINS A PRESBYTERIAN IS HELL-BOUND. ABANDON THE THEOLOGY OF SATAN!!!! GOD DOES NOT PREDESTINE ALL THINGS. YOU ARE DAMNED FOR TEACHING THAT!!!!
Terrible situation. Decent resignation letter. Prayers for all.