philip yancey story news article

Bestselling evangelical author Philip Yancey has admitted to a long-term extramarital affair and announced he will withdraw from public ministry.

Yancey, 76, revealed in a Tuesday statement to Christianity Today that he carried on an eight-year relationship with a married woman and will now retire from writing, speaking engagements, and social media to focus on his marriage and personal repentance, as Crosswalk reports.

The author, whose books shaped evangelical thought for decades, confessed that the affair was deeply inconsistent with his faith, marriage vows, and the Christian values he has long championed.

Impact Deepens Due to His Spiritual Influence

Yancey's influence in the evangelical world has been vast, with works like The Jesus I Never Knew and What’s So Amazing About Grace? becoming staples in Christian homes and churches alike. That’s part of what makes this fall from grace so jarring—when spiritual leaders preach grace and then break trust, the damage runs deep.

In his statement, Yancey addressed the moral contradiction: “My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage," he said, also admitting that his failure brought pain to two entire families. He added that he would not divulge further details out of consideration for the woman’s family.

He has been married to his wife, Janet, for over 55 years. The couple’s long-standing union, often held up as an example of Christian commitment, has been rocked by what Janet described as betrayal that caused “trauma and devastation.”

Years of Trust Undermined by One Revelation

Yancey acknowledged the ripple effect of his actions, stating, “I have failed morally and spiritually, and I grieve over the devastation I have caused.” Even as he seeks forgiveness, he is clear-eyed about how this may shake the faith of those who once trusted in his voice.

To his credit, he isn’t running for cover behind vague language. He has enrolled in professional counseling and is in an accountability program—tangible steps, though clearly not a cure-all.

Yancey's departure from public life isn’t just a career move. It’s a form of acknowledgment that spiritual authority carries consequences, especially when betrayed. In his own words, “I have nothing to stand on except God’s mercy and grace.”

Wife Offers Forgiveness Despite Deep Hurt

Janet Yancey also released a statement with remarkable dignity, given the circumstances. She remained firm in her marriage vows, saying, “I will not break that promise,” even as she acknowledged the deep pain caused by the revelation.

Her words weren't sugarcoated either. She asked for prayers and expressed hope that she could find grace to forgive, recognizing the high personal cost of her husband’s failure—and her own choice to persevere.

This type of fortitude may be out of fashion in today’s culture of instant outrage and quick dismissal, but it’s a true portrait of strength—rooted not in denial, but in conviction.

Stepping Away to Confront the Damage

Yancey's decision to retire from ministry also made clear that he believes his authority has been compromised. “Having disqualified myself from Christian ministry, I am therefore retiring,” he stated. That’s rare in a time when too many public figures refuse to step aside, regardless of impropriety.

In the end, Yancey’s story is a cautionary tale. Not just of moral failure, but of the high bar public Christians rightly face—and the accountability that should come with it.

Most of all, it reminds us that even those who write about grace may one day have to rely on it far more than they’d ever imagined.