One week after his list of scandalizers in the church went viral in a TGC podcast with Collin Hansen, Bryan Chapell announced his retirement from his role as the Stated Clerk in the PCA. The second apology came after a week of both ridicule and public objection to the names on the list.
Chapell made the following statement:
On a recent podcast I responded to a question by referencing a small piece of paper containing personal notes. I wrongly said that every name on the paper represented social media “scandalizers” who later experienced personal consequences from their commentary habits. An enlarged screenshot of the note has since circulated, indicating that the podcast response I gave was not appropriate or true.
As a consequence, I brought unwarranted disrepute upon persons identified in the screenshot. For this wrongdoing I repent to my Lord and I apologize to the individuals, their families, and the church I serve. I have begun, and will continue, personally to ask forgiveness from those I harmed. I also confess the seriousness of these errors and sin.
Therefore, at the upcoming called meeting of the Administrative Committee, I will ask for approval of my retirement as Stated Clerk. I give thanks for my Savior whose provision for sinners such as I is according to his grace rather than my deserving.
Several of the names in the list were indeed scandalous within PCA circles. Some were associated with Federal Vision, while a few were long dead pastors. Leaving the PCA for another denomination was tantamount to leaving the faith, along with other challenges to contemporary scandals within the PCA. Whereas Chapell’s initial apology was along the lines of saying sorry for being caught, this latest statement demonstrates signs of contrition.
The PCA expects to begin a transition when the Administrative Committee meets next week.
Analysis
The viral nature of the scandal and the comically outlandish and petty nature of having a list of “scandalizers” made the demise of Chapell inevitable. Rather than upset the true conservatives in the PCA, it appears evident that he offended multiple factions, as men like Carl Trueman were featured despite their affiliations with many in the Kellerite circles.
Conservatives in the PCA should find some encouragement that the PCA as a denomination will respond to pressure campaigns, which is more than can be said of the SBC which refuses to remove walking controversies like Brent Leatherwood from the ERLC. Institutionally, these denominations are primarily occupied by liberal and subversive forces relative to the respective conventions or general assemblies. Yet, as with cases like Chapell, they are hardly Machiavellians, but rather catty and childish. For Presbyterians, this is a sign to continue the good fight on other pressing issues in the PCA, like female deacons and other attributes of Tim Keller’s legacy.
