In a decision that has shocked the local faith community, Pendleton Barnes Peery has been dismissed from his role as senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte after confessing to infidelity over a period of several years.

According to The Christian Post, Peery’s removal followed a yearlong disciplinary investigation by the Presbytery of Charlotte, which determined he violated church and marital vows through repeated conduct, leading to formal charges and a three-year suspension from ordained ministry.

Peery, a sixth-generation Presbyterian minister and Charlotte native, had led First Presbyterian Church for more than ten years. He previously served congregations in Virginia and Louisiana before returning to his hometown to assume leadership of the historic church.

The Presbytery of Charlotte launched a confidential inquiry after receiving allegations about Peery’s conduct. The findings of the investigation, disclosed publicly only upon completion, resulted in Peery’s formal dismissal during the first week of September 2025.

In his statement, Peery acknowledged engaging in multiple consensual extramarital affairs over the past five years. He characterized his behavior as “shockingly sinful” and said he is working with counselors to understand the roots of his actions.

Years Of Secrecy Lead To Suspension

Peery explained that his misconduct began as a seemingly innocent online activity that eventually grew into a secret life separated from his family and congregation. He emphasized that no church members or minors were involved in any part of the behavior under scrutiny.

“What started as a curiosity turned into a hidden pattern,” Peery wrote in a message to congregants. In that message, he expressed shame and sorrow, stating that his regret extended not only to his family but to the wider faith community he served.

The Presbytery found that Peery’s actions amounted to four formal charges: two for adultery and two for concealing conduct inconsistent with ministry. The investigative body deemed his behavior a breach that undermined the trust and moral responsibilities inherent in his role.

Church And Congregation Respond With Unity

The leadership of First Presbyterian Church, which has approximately 2,000 members, confirmed that they were not informed about the investigation until it concluded. They have communicated assurance to their members that services and ministries will continue without disruption.

In a public statement, church leaders thanked the Presbytery for its guidance during what they described as a difficult time. They asked the wider Charlotte community to pray for healing and unity as the congregation processes these events.

“With care and transparency, our community is seeking to move forward in faith,” the church’s official statement read. The church noted that it remains committed to its inclusive mission, including welcoming those in the LGBT community.

Peery’s Background And Legacy In Ministry

Peery came from a family deeply rooted in Presbyterian ministry, with both his parents, his spouse, and his sibling all ordained. He once described accompanying his father as a teen in door-to-door evangelism, highlighting what he saw as a lifelong calling to the clergy.

Following the disciplinary ruling, Peery will be suspended from the ordained ministry for at least three years. He also faces censure and exclusion from formal duties during that time.

The disciplinary actions make it clear that Peery will have to complete a formal process of accountability and restoration before he may seek reinstatement, should he choose to do so in the future.

Looking Forward Amid the Aftermath

In his final message, Peery said he was beginning a new journey of repentance and accepting full responsibility. “I require mercy,” he said, invoking language from a biblical psalm as he acknowledged the gravity of his actions.

Staff and leadership at First Presbyterian Church are now tasked with navigating the absence of a longtime leader. Their focus, they said, remains on serving the congregation faithfully and transparently.

While Peery’s departure marks an unexpected turning point, church leaders believe the faith and resilience of their members will guide them through this complicated chapter.