Pearcey Report Exclusive
Update: R.C. Sproul, Jr., Defrocked -- Statement From the Highlands Center
By Rick Pearcey
Feb. 2, 2006 -– The Pearcey Report reported yesterday that R.C. Sproul, Jr., and three other men have been “deposed from the office of elder” in the Westminster Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly. As described by its website, Mr. Sproul is the founder, chairman, and teacher of the Highlands Study Center, located in Bristol, Va.
Today, in a statement posted on its website, the Highlands Study Center asserts that Dr. Sproul, Jr., “along with the entire session of Saint Peter Presbyterian Church, has heard from the moderator of the Westminster Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, General Assembly, that they have been deposed from their offices as elders in the church.”
According to the Highlands statement, “this action was taken without a trial” and “indeed without even a conversation.”
In addition, the statement reads: “We disagree with the action taken, and are considering our options as to how to respond.”
The statement concludes with a promise and a call for patience and prayer: “What we will not do is take shots against our accusers over the internet, [and would encourage you not to do so, either.]* Please be patient, and please pray for the peace and the purity of the church.”
The Highlands Study Center website is here. The Feb. 1, 2006, Pearcey Report coverage “R.C. Sproul, Jr., Defrocked” is here.
* NOTE: On Fri., Feb. 3, 2006, The Pearcey Report became aware of a clarifying change in the statement from the Highlands Study Center. A reader noted that the phrase “would encourage you not to do the same” was replaced by the phrase “and would encourage you not to do so, either.”
_______________
Rick Pearcey is editor and publisher of The Pearcey Report.
