This article contains material some may find upsetting. Reformed minister Liam Goligher has resigned his post at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after revelations that he engaged in sexual activity in a public park almost a decade ago.
Police records from July 2014 show Goligher pleaded guilty to breaching an ordinance governing the conduct of visitors at Lancaster County public parks.
The relevant section of the ordinance (which has since been replaced) prohibited engagement in any form of sexual activity. Goligher was issued with a $150 fine.
Goligher, a well-known minister who has served in several countries, including his native Scotland, began serving as the church’s Senior Minister in 2011.
Jim Hess, church administrator, told en: ‘I can confirm that Pastor Goligher resigned from Tenth Presbyterian Church effective 12/1/2023. We are not aware of what his future plans may be.’
In a separate statement to a US-based website, Hess said: ‘This has been difficult news for the Tenth community. The formal dissolution of the pastoral relationship will be conducted according to the polity of the Presbyterian Church in America.’
Goligher holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He has contributed to more than seventeen books and written several.
