Published on December 14, 2023, 1:15 am

Image source: Fox News

Keeping up with the overarching commitment to real news and trusted news from a Christian worldview, we bring you the latest development in the affairs of an influential Presbyterian Church based in Pennsylvania. The congregation has recently been shaken by previously undisclosed information about its leadership.

The headline for today is that Pastor Liam Goligher of the Tenth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia has resigned. This follows revelations of his arrest back in 2014 on charges related to “personal conduct”. This information came to light after anonymous cyber sleuths released investigative findings on Anglican Watch, a known watchdog website.

According to these investigations, which referenced public records, both Pastor Goligher and another leader from the congregation were arrested and later plead guilty for contravening Lancaster City Code section 98-19.B. This obscure civic code explicitly disallows any sexual acts within any city park. As per the files unearthed by Anglican Watch, Susan Elzey, a deacon from Tenth Presbyterian was also found guilty on similar charges on the same date.

When approached for comments regarding this incident, a staff member at the church directed us towards an official statement published on their website. This detailed that this arrest taken place seven years prior had remained unknown until now and noted that such actions certainly appeared sinful.

“We face difficult times at Tenth community but won’t eschew our beliefs or lose hope,” asserts part of their statement. The Philadelphia Presbytery is set to conduct an inquiry into the matter as part of reviewing its minister’s conduct as dictated by procedures within Presbyterian Church in America.

This unfolding episode only adds extra woes for Tenth Presbyterian after recent allegations from a group named Godly Response to Abuse in The Christian Environment (GRACE). They released extensive reports detailing horrific abuse claims against six current or former leaders from over twenty members of the church —another grim revelation according to Ministry Watch.

Moreover, there are claims that Pastor Goligher obstructed the GRACE investigation and reportedly lied to the investigators. This follows the earlier accusations that he had meddled with their inquiries.

In these testing times, we encourage residents of Tenth Church to stay strong in their faith. We believe that with mutual support and understanding, this community will be able to overcome these serious challenges – reinforcing our belief in delivering trusted news from a Christian worldview.