In keeping with the journalistic tradition of looking back at the recent past, we present the top 50 stories of the year that were read on The Aquila Report site based on the number of hits. We will present the 50 stories in groups of 10 to run on five lists on consecutive days. Here are numbers 1-10.

In 2025 The Aquila Report (TAR) posted over 3,000 stories. At the end of each year we feature the top 50 stories that were read.

TAR posts 8 new stories each day, on a variety of subjects – all of which we trust are of interest to our readers. As a web magazine TAR is an aggregator of news and information that we believe will provide articles that will inform the church of current trends and movements within the church and culture.

In keeping with the journalistic tradition of looking back at the recent past, we present the top 50 stories of the year that were read on The Aquila Report site based on the number of hits. We will present the 50 stories in groups of 10 to run on five lists on consecutive days. Here are numbers 1-10:

10. No, Erika, You Cannot Forgive the Assassin!

What can the living do?  One thing the Bible does say is that we are to love our enemies.  This does not mean we must have good feelings toward them, or to plead for a non-capital punishment.  It does mean that we can preach the gospel to them, and pray that God will grant them repentance.

9. Have I Been Condemned to Hell by the 52nd PCA General Assembly?

Here is what concerns me.  The Statement says that I am not allowed to hold a view that “posits superiority of race or ethnic identity born of immutable human characteristics.” Of course, I believe that all men and races are equal as being partakers of the image of God, that all men and races are to be treated equal under the law, and that all men and races are to be offered the gospel of Jesus Christ without distinction (Gal.3:28).

8. A Response to “Concerning the Resignation of Dr. Chapell”

[Dr. Coffin,] “since the libel was public, I am publicly asking you for a public apology and retraction. If I do not receive one, then I regret to inform you, I will be sending a letter to your presbytery asking that they begin a 31-2 investigation into this matter.”

7. Session’s Letter to Members of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia

We believe this plan offers the best opportunity for Tenth to heal, move forward, and begin 2026 with a group of ruling elders who are supported by the congregation. While some of you might want quicker change, we are cognizant of our call to shepherd the members of Tenth and to maintain oversight and administration of Christ’s church (1 Peter 5:2).

6. PCA Leader’s “Scandalizers” List Triggers Ethics Probe, Fraternal Rift

Since the podcast episode aired, denominational members have made multiple formal requests for investigation into Chapell’s Christian character on the grounds that his list may violate the Ninth Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16).

5. Theses for the PCA

Rough days are coming in the PCA. This incident will cause weeping, gnashing of teeth, sending of letters, and having of meetings. But controversy (and the fact that something like this, which I’ll call Tibergate, is still controversial) is good. It proves one of Machen’s famous lines: “In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.”

4. 4. An Open Letter to My Beloved Presbyterian Church in America

I implore you to ask your commissioners to the General Assembly to call on the Administrative Committee and Committee of Commissioners to ask Dr. Chapell to reverse his decision to retire and continue to serve as Stated Clerk. Of course, the expectation would be for Dr. Chapell to continue his personal efforts at reconciliation with those he has offended, as he promised. But how much greater would be the impact to a culture accustomed to cancellation, to see the PCA’s Stated Clerk exemplifying humble repentance and the highest church court extending restorative forgiveness?

3. An Answer to the Critics of Jesus Calling

God has used Sarah’s simple testimony to save and encourage thousands of suffering people, which should be a cause for celebration. Instead, the PCA will choose to distance itself from Jesus Calling through the reports of the upcoming General Assembly. While this is hard for her family, we rest in the knowledge that God is bigger than any denomination, any report, or any critic. God’s plans are never thwarted by man, and we trust God will use Jesus Calling to do His work for however long He planned it from the beginning.

2. Concerning the Resignation of Dr. Chapell

“The PCA is on the verge of a catastrophic misjudgment. We will wrongly demean a longstanding servant of Christ, do significant harm to the office of the State[d] Clerk, and thus to the health and peace of our denomination.”

And the number one story on The Aquila Report for 2025:

1. Central Florida Presbytery Judicial Commission Announces Verdict In Burk Parsons Case

Between May 12–28, 2025, the Commission conducted over 45 hours of trial proceedings, hearing testimonies from 55 witnesses. Both prosecution and defense provided evidence to argue for either guilt or innocence. The Commission thoroughly worked through all the specifics of the case, weighing and corroborating testimony. After two full days of deliberations, the commission unanimously found TE Parsons guilty on the following three charges of the amended indictment.