In a significant turn of events, the Philadelphia Presbytery has taken decisive action against Liam Goligher, the former Senior Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church, following his guilty plea to serious charges, including adult clergy sexual abuse. This development has sent ripples through the Christian community, prompting discussions about accountability and the path to restoration.
On January 18, 2024, the presbytery announced that Goligher had been deposed from ministry and indefinitely suspended from participating in the Lord’s Supper. These disciplinary actions stemmed from a judicial process that began in March 2024, after an investigation into Goligher’s conduct, which raised serious concerns about his behavior as a pastor and elder.
The presbytery’s statement revealed the extent of the charges against Goligher, which included lying, conduct unbecoming of a pastor, harsh treatment of colleagues, and spiritual abuse. The Ad Hoc Judicial Commission, after considering Goligher’s confession and signs of remorse, imposed the severe penalties of deposition and suspension from communion. This decision underscores the presbytery’s commitment to upholding the integrity of church leadership and addressing misconduct decisively.
The road to this point has been tumultuous for Tenth Presbyterian Church. Goligher, who had served the congregation since 2011, resigned from his role on December 1, 2023, amid revelations of a 2014 incident involving a personal conduct citation. Reports surfaced that Goligher and church deacon Susan Elzey had pleaded guilty to charges related to inappropriate behavior in a public park, a fact that had remained hidden from church leadership until it was exposed by the watchdog group Anglican Watch.
In the wake of these revelations, Tenth Presbyterian expressed the emotional turmoil experienced by its community, acknowledging the pain caused by the breach of trust. The church emphasized its mission to seek truth and encourage repentance and reconciliation among its members. This situation serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by churches in maintaining accountability and fostering a culture of transparency.
The Philadelphia Presbytery’s actions reflect a growing awareness within the church about the need for thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct. Following Goligher’s plea, the presbytery appointed a pastoral care team to assist him in seeking genuine repentance and restoration. This move highlights the delicate balance between justice and grace that churches must navigate in the face of serious allegations.
As the church community grapples with the implications of this case, it also faces scrutiny regarding its handling of abuse allegations. A 2023 investigation by GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) uncovered allegations from over 20 church members against multiple leaders at Tenth Presbyterian, raising questions about the church’s past practices and commitment to safeguarding its members.
Liam Goligher, originally from Scotland, had previously served in various pastoral roles across the U.K. and Canada before joining Tenth Presbyterian. His last sermon at the church was delivered on November 26, 2023, marking the end of an era for a leader who had once been influential in the PCA (Presbyterian Church in America).
In light of these events, the Philadelphia Presbytery has called for prayer for both the victims and Goligher’s restoration. This plea emphasizes the church’s ongoing commitment to healing and reconciliation, even amidst the fallout from such serious allegations.
For those seeking further insights into this ongoing situation, resources like the Presbyterian Church in America and Anglican Watch provide valuable information and updates. As the church continues to navigate these challenging waters, the hope remains that through accountability and grace, healing can be found for all involved.