Dr. Liam Goligher resigned as Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 1, 2023. This was following reports on the internet of a citation of personal conduct dating back to 2014 which was previously unknown to Tenth Church. The citation is a matter of public record and cites actions which give the appearance of sin. Our denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, has specific processes to review the conduct of its ministers. This matter is being referred to the Philadelphia Presbytery who will conduct an investigation. The process of searching for a new Senior Minister at Tenth will follow the formal dissolution of the pastoral relationship according to the polity of our denomination.

This has been difficult news for the Tenth community, and we are experiencing a wide range of emotions. When the Church is confronted by the appearance of sin, her mission is not to abandon people but to work to seek the truth in the situation and encourage any needed repentance and reconciliation with God and one another. We serve a loving God who came into this sinful world in the Person of Jesus Christ in order to save humankind from its sin. As the Apostle Paul said, “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). During this time of trouble and confusion, our only hope at Tenth Church is to humble ourselves, and in repentance and faith seek the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, and to encourage others who struggle with sin in their lives to do the same. It is only by being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ that we can truly be reconciled to one another in this world. Tenth Church asks for prayers to this end.