Christian author Philip Yancey has announced that he will withdraw from public ministry after admitting to a years-long extramarital affair, a confession that has shocked many of his long-time readers and followers. The 75-year-old writer, known globally for his books on grace, suffering, and doubt, said he will step back from speaking engagements and public life as he seeks counselling and formal accountability.
In an emailed statement to Christianity Today on 6 January, Yancey revealed that he had engaged in an eight-year affair with a married woman, acknowledging that the relationship ran directly against his public teaching on marriage and faith. He admitted that his actions caused deep pain to his wife, the woman's husband, and both families, and said he expected many readers to feel disillusioned by the gap between his message and his conduct.
