R.C. Sproul Jr Resigns From Ligonier Ministries After Ashley Madison Confession

On Friday December 9th, 2016, theologian, author, pastor and teacher Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. submitted his resignation to Ligonier Ministries and Reformation Bible College. A year ago, Sproul Jr. was suspended by the board of Ligonier Ministries for visiting the adultery website Ashley Madison in a "moment of weakness" in 2014.

In a statement released by Ligonier Ministries, the organization said the younger Sproul was removing himself from ministry for "personal reasons."

"Last Friday, the board of directors of Ligonier Ministries and Reformation Bible College received and affirmed the resignation of Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. He is stepping away from his duties at the ministry and the college for personal reasons. This was communicated by phone to his father, Dr. R.C. Sproul, the founder of Ligonier Ministries and chancellor of Reformation Bible College, and it was later communicated in writing to the entire board of directors of Ligonier Ministries," the statement said.

"We support the Sproul family and give thanks for the many edifying contributions of Dr. Sproul Jr. over the years through his work at the ministry and the college. We believe he will be well cared for by his church during this time of transition, and we pray for him in his future endeavors."

In August 2015, Sproul wrote in his personal blog that his name was associated with the release of information in the Ashley Madison data breach earlier that month. He subsequently informed the board at Ligonier Ministries of his membership. He was suspended, with pay, until July 2016. 

Ashley Madison is a online dating service and social networking service marketed to people who are married or in committed relationships. The Ashley Madison Agency is the world's largest online Social Networking Community of its kind that caters to people who are already in relationships but still want to date.  It was founded in 2002 by Darren Morgenstern, with the slogan: "Life is short. Have an affair." The name comes from two popular female names, "Ashley" and "Madison". 

Sproul Jr. was married to Denise Elizabeth Sproul (née Rocklein), who died December 18, 2011 at the age of 46 after a long battle with cancer. Sproul Jr. and his late wife have eight children aged from 18 to 2. Their disabled daughter Shannon died October 3, 2012. 

 

 

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