(12-24-07)–What happens when a pastor comes clean about porn? At least in one case, he receives forgiveness and understanding.
The Rev. Brian James, pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in New Tampa, Fla. confessed his habit of pornography to his congregation, which responded to his apology with tears and applause.
“I have failed this church,” James said. Though James was forgiven, he will step down from the church he pastored for seven years. “Obviously, this is not acceptable behavior for a pastor,” said the Rev. Bert Blomquist, district superintendent of 89 Methodist churches, including St. James.
“These actions are very serious and prohibit anyone from functioning as a pastor in any of our churches.”
James will undergo therapy and Blomquist said he may pastor at some point in the future.