I hope PCA congregations and agencies will learn from Allberry’s tragic fall and disgrace: do not platform those who seek to build their credibility or brand on the basis of their sinful desires. Stop exposing young people to such men. It is time PCA officers, congregations, and agencies take seriously both our Constitution and the plain warnings and exhortations of the Scripture. The General Assembly has spoken. The Constitution has spoken. Scripture has spoken more clearly. It is time for repentance and obedience.

In 2018, a now formerly PCA Congregation hosted the so-called Revoice Conference in Saint Louis, Mo. We were told this conference was an opportunity for those afflicted with sodomite lust to encourage one another in their struggle against vile affections while at the same time reveling in the trappings and affectations that often accompany such unnatural lusts.

That open defiance of the Scripture and Westminster Standards set off a firestorm in the PCA. There were investigations, blog posts, overtures demanding investigations, and overtures to change the Constitution. A small number of congregations even left before the General Assembly could adjudicate matters.

By late 2022, the host congregation and her ministers were driven out of the PCA under threat of judicial process. The General Assembly drew a line: mere celibacy is not enough. Officers must demonstrate chastity in their “character, convictions and conduct,” and in their self-description (BCO 9-3).

The PCA now has some of the strongest language on sexual holiness of any Reformed body.

A Constitution Is Only as Good as its Subscribers

Christians are called to a life of chastity. Celibacy prohibits very little, but the PCA affirmed her officers must demonstrate chastity in “body, mind, affections, words, and behavior” (WLC 138).

The PCA General Assembly made it clear men who made a cottage industry or reputation talking about their vile affections could not serve as officers or be ordained in the PCA, because such words are not chaste. When a man seeks to establish his credibility by publicizing his unclean thoughts and lusts, that is the opposite of chaste.

Despite the clear deliverances of the General Assembly and the changes made to strengthen the PCA Constitution, there are still some within the PCA who believe if the PCA is to be effective in ministry, she needs to hear from those known for their ongoing affliction with sodomite lust.

It seems as though there is a rush to find men who are not subject to the PCA’s jurisdiction, but who openly identify with their unnatural lust yet say the right things regarding marriage.

Sam Allberry, an episcopal priest, was a frequent guest speaker at PCA congregations and agencies to serve this purpose. Tim Keller introduced and platformed Allberry within the PCA. And Allberry preached at Keller’s memorial service in 2023 reminding us all that Jesus is the “true and better Tim Keller.”

Allberry could declare “I’m gay,” admit no romantic interest in women, and still urge young people to follow God’s design…until he couldn’t.

Much to the chagrin of many PCA members and officers his books were sold at the General Assembly’s bookstore.

And he has been a frequent guest speaker at Covenant College as recently as a few weeks ago and again a few years ago. Although the College has very little mention of Allberry from its website and social media as of Monday morning.¹

While the PCA Constitution may prohibit such a person from being ordained in our communion, plenty of PCA agencies and congregations were happy to platform him and promote his ideas to young people. But toying with sin, especially sexual sin, is gravely dangerous.

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