The leader of the Presbyterian Church in America's Mission to North America is stepping down after a blessing he gave to a departing pastor stirred up criticism across the denomination.

The Christian Post reported that Rev. Irwyn Ince announced he would resign effective Sept. 30, following controversy over a prayer he gave during a church service where another PCA pastor publicly declared his conversion to Roman Catholicism.

Ince has served as coordinator of the Mission to North America, or MNA, since 2021. His resignation was announced by the committee overseeing MNA in a statement on Thursday. The move comes after a video circulated online showing his involvement in an Aug. 31 service at GraceDC Mosaic Church in Washington, D.C.

During that service, Rev. Joel Littlepage stated that he and his family had discerned a call to join the Roman Catholic Church. Littlepage, who had served at GraceDC Mosaic since 2018, then assisted in administering the Lord’s Supper. Afterward, Ince applauded and invited the congregation to pray over Littlepage and his family.

Viral Video Sparks Doctrinal Debate Across PCA

That moment was caught on video and quickly ignited widespread criticism among Presbyterian leaders and churchgoers. For many PCA members, Ince’s visible applause and invitation for prayer appeared to signal approval of Littlepage’s departure to a church that PCA doctrine categorizes as being in theological error.

A group of 24 PCA pastors submitted a letter to the MNA voicing strong disapproval. They accused Ince of publicly affirming someone joining what they described as a "false church" that had rejected core gospel teachings and historically persecuted Protestant leaders.

The MNA’s permanent committee agreed that Ince's actions had unacceptable implications. While acknowledging he may not have intended support, the committee stated his prayer gave the "unfortunate appearance" of endorsement and disturbed the "peace and purity" of the church.

Leader Clarifies Intent Following Criticism

In response, Ince offered a public explanation, stating he did not know that Littlepage would announce his conversion to Catholicism during the service. According to Ince, the prayer was arranged beforehand and intended to mark the end of Littlepage’s tenure at GraceDC Mosaic—not his new direction.

“Unbeknownst to me, Joel was planning to announce during his sermon a decision to leave the PCA and join the Roman Catholic Church,” Ince said. He noted that Littlepage then assisted with communion, and his own prepared blessing followed.

“I realize that my prayer, given in that moment, has confused,” Ince said in a statement. “That was never my intent.”

Doctrinal Divide and Further Apology

Ince went on to say he regretted any misunderstanding caused by his involvement in the service. He clarified that, in his view, the Roman Catholic Church contains serious doctrinal problems and should not be a destination for believers seeking truth.

“To be clear,” he said, “I believe the Roman Catholic Church is in serious doctrinal error, and I would not encourage any believer to pursue membership there.” Nonetheless, he said he continues to pray for Littlepage and his family with affection and hope for their spiritual well-being.

The MNA committee reiterated PCA doctrine, referencing the Westminster Confession of Faith and the denomination’s governing Book of Church Order. They emphasized that the Catholic Church lacks what the PCA believes are the essential elements of true Christian ministry.

Resignation Follows Broader Controversies

Ince’s departure comes in the wake of several incidents during his time as coordinator that drew attention and criticism within the denomination. The MNA faced a nearly $2 million budget shortfall, along with missed goals in church planting initiatives.

Earlier this year, the MNA received backlash for immigration guidance made available on its website. The materials advised undocumented immigrants to avoid federal officers and were linked to politically left-leaning sources like the ACLU. The guidance was removed, and Ince issued a public apology in February.

That same month, Ince participated in a “Black Fellowship Dinner” at a church in Oakland designed for Black worshippers, sparking renewed debate over ethnic affinity gatherings in majority-white churches. Past comments Ince made in 2019 about racial fatigue among Black Christians also resurfaced at the time.

Ongoing Church Tensions Surface at General Assembly

These tensions appeared again during the PCA General Assembly this June, as Ince sought reelection as MNA coordinator. The debate around racial concerns grew particularly pointed during that meeting.

Rev. Timothy Brindle, a fellow PCA pastor whose wife is Black, was asked to moderate his language after addressing perceived racial problems in the church. The exchange highlighted ongoing disagreements in how the denomination handles diversity and inclusion.

Ince’s resignation also follows the May exit of Rev. Bryan Chapell, who stepped down from his position as stated clerk, the highest office in the PCA. Chapell had falsely accused several ministers of misconduct, further intensifying scrutiny around PCA leadership.