Tullian Tchividjian Deposed of Clergy Credentials by South Florida Presbytery Following Extramarital Affair

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Tullian Tchividjian, former pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale and a grandson of famed evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham, has been deposed of his clergy credentials by the South Florida Presbytery.

"While Pastor Tullian Tchividjian was deposed of his pastoral credentials, the South Florida Presbytery is committed to continuing to offer him pastoral care," the presbytery stated, following a regular meeting of the regional body's leadership last week.

"Our goal in doing this is to both protect the integrity of the Church from which his credentials were given while, at the same time, wrapping Tullian in the grace offered by Jesus Christ to all those who confess sin, pursue repentance and desire restoration."

Established in 1960, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church installed Tchividjian as their senior pastor in 2009. Earlier this year allegations surfaced that both Tchividjian and his wife were engaged in extramarital affairs.

In June, Tchividjian announced his resignation from his position as senior pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian, noting that it was "due to ongoing marital issues."

"As many of you know, I returned from a trip a few months back and discovered that my wife was having an affair. Heartbroken and devastated, I informed our church leadership and requested a sabbatical to focus exclusively on my marriage," stated Tchividjian.

"As her affair continued, we separated. Sadly and embarrassingly, I subsequently sought comfort in a friend and developed an inappropriate relationship myself."

Regarding Tchividjian's resignation, Coral Ridge Executive Pastor Rob Pacienza stated that he and the church leadership were disappointed by the news.

"We are saddened by this news, but are working with and assisting Pastor Tullian and his family to help them through this difficult time, and asking people to join us in praying that God will bring restoration through this process and healing to all involved," stated Pacienza.