Sam Allberry Resigns Amid Controversy Over Same-Sex Attraction Views

In a surprising development, Sam Allberry, known for advocating that Christians can be same-sex attracted while remaining celibate, has stepped down from his role as associate pastor at Immanuel Church Nashville. This resignation follows a decision by church elders to disqualify him from gospel ministry due to an “inappropriate relationship” with another man in 2022.

Allberry assumed his pastoral position in 2023, but revelations about his past relationship, which had ended before his appointment, prompted the church to reassess his suitability. Although the relationship was initially not considered disqualifying, new information led to a change in the church’s stance. The leadership, which includes Barnabas Piper, son of renowned pastor John Piper, expressed that Allberry’s actions represented a “serious breach of trust.”

The elders unanimously concluded that Allberry was not fit for gospel ministry, a decision he accepted, resulting in his resignation from Immanuel Church. “Throughout this process, Sam has been repentant, humble, and cooperative with the Elders and outside counsel,” the church noted in a statement.

In addition to leaving Immanuel Church, Allberry has also resigned from his position at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. His contributions to The Gospel Coalition will be removed in accordance with their policies, prompting a statement from the organization expressing heartbreak over the situation and extending prayers for Allberry and those impacted.

Conversely, Living Out, an organization co-founded by Allberry in the UK for gay and celibate Christians, has decided to retain his articles. They emphasized the enduring value of his contributions, stating, “Living Out exists because of people like Sam, and for people like Sam. We continue to appreciate all that he has contributed to Living Out.”

Allberry has been a prominent figure for the debated belief that same-sex attraction is not sinful as long as it remains unacted upon. He authored Is God Anti-Gay?, a book widely referenced in evangelical circles.

Michael Clary, a pastor and writer, commented on Allberry’s resignation, suggesting it should spark discussions within the Church. Clary remarked, “This was no random, moral failure, but the fruit of a system that refused to acknowledge ‘same sex attraction’ as a dangerous and sinful error,” as noted on his website.