One of the most respected voices in evangelical Christianity has announced his immediate retirement from public life after confessing to a secret affair that lasted eight years.
A Stunning Fall from Grace
Philip Yancey, the 76-year-old author whose books on grace and faith have sold over 15 million copies worldwide, made the shocking admission in a statement published by Christianity Today. He served the publication for years as editor-at-large and a columnist. Yancey stated that his eight-year 'sinful affair' with a married woman directly contradicted the values he had publicly championed for decades and disqualified him from Christian ministry.
'My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage,' Yancey wrote. He acknowledged causing 'deep pain' to his wife of 55 years, Janet, the other woman's husband, and both families involved. Out of respect for the other family, he declined to provide further details.
Immediate Retirement and Withdrawal
In response to his actions, Yancey declared he is stepping away entirely from his public role. This means retiring from writing, speaking, and all online platforms. He confirmed he has already removed himself from social media, including Facebook and his Substack page, severing direct communication with the global audience that has followed his work for half a century.
'Having disqualified myself from Christian ministry, I am therefore retiring from writing, speaking, and social media,' Yancey explained. 'Instead, I need to spend my remaining years living up to the words I have already written.'
The author said he has confessed his actions 'before God and my wife' and committed to a professional counselling and accountability programme, describing the affair as 'my great shame.'
Reaction and Repercussions
The revelation sent shockwaves through evangelical communities, stunning readers, pastors, and long-time admirers. Yancey occupied a unique space in American evangelicalism, known not for political activism but for his profound writings on topics like 'the scandal of grace.' His work, including bestsellers like What's So Amazing About Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew, was translated into nearly 50 languages and even favoured by the late former President Jimmy Carter.
Online reaction was intense and mixed. Many followers expressed profound sadness and a sense of betrayal, sharpened by the affair's lengthy duration.
- One follower wrote: 'I have to admit this makes me sad and disappointed, but reminds me, too, that this is exactly why we need Jesus. None of us is immune to sin.'
- Another was less sympathetic: 'We are all sinners, but to have an affair for eight years is not a mistake — he was enjoying himself and didn't care about his wife or family.'
Particular sympathy was directed toward Janet Yancey. In her own statement, she affirmed her commitment to her 55-year marriage vow but described the betrayal as an 'unfathomable trauma.'
'I made a sacred and binding marriage vow 55½ years ago, and I will not break that promise,' Janet Yancey wrote. 'God grant me the grace to forgive also, despite my unfathomable trauma. Please pray for us.'
The couple now faces the challenge of rebuilding their marriage. Yancey, who publicly disclosed a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2023, wrote that he grieves over the devastation he has caused and the dishonour brought to God. He concluded his statement by praying for 'God's grace and forgiveness - as well as yours - and for healing in the lives of those I've wounded.'
