Roberts Liardon Leaves Ministry Over 'Moral Failure'

Roberts Liardon Leaves Ministry Over 'Moral Failure'
Charisma News Service
Friday, December 21, 2001
Originally at:
http://www.charismanews.com/fullnews/fullnews.cgi?a=latest&t=news.html#brief2
Now located at:
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Pastor and writer Roberts Liardon is stepping down from ministry after admitting to "moral failure." He is taking a three-month leave of absence to seek "professional and church counseling related to a recent short-term homosexual relationship," according to a statement issued on behalf of his Embassy Christian Center in Irvine, Calif.

Liardon, 34, announced his decision this week citing "several situations, both personal and health related," the statement said. He had been advised by doctors to take time off to deal with an ongoing heart condition and further recuperate from recent surgery, it added.

Liardon said: "As a minister of the gospel, I realize my moral failure has been inappropriate and wrong. I have asked God's
forgiveness, and for the past month have sought professional counseling and other help. I ask anyone affected by my actions to forgive me and to pray for both my spiritual and physical recovery."

The statement said that Liardon will re-evaluate his situation in three months' time, together with those offering "accountability,
counseling and authority...and determine the appropriate time for his return." Liardon is the author of "God's Generals," a history of Pentecostal pioneers. He founded Spirit Life Bible College, and his Roberts Liardon Ministries has offices in England, South Africa and the Philippines.