The Pain of a Public Affair

Liberty University President. Jerry Falwell Jr. has resigned following a Reuters report of sexual activity, which would be a scandal for Christian leaders.

In the evening of August 24 the news reported a change- he has not resigned. So, the relationship between Mr. Falwell and Liberty University remains unclear. See for example, this WP article from 9:34 pm. On August 25, 11:51 am news from WP Falwell confirmed his resignation.

What did Falwell say? Here's a quote from the Washington Examiner:

Jerry Falwell Jr., suspended as president of Virginia’s Christian-focused Liberty University after a string of embarrassing acts, said that he has suffered depression caused by a former family friend who had an affair with his wife and who has been threatening to expose it.

In a statement exclusively to Secrets, Falwell revealed his wife Becki’s affair for the first time and said that it was short lived and that the two reconciled quickly.

You can read Falwell's full statement in the Washington Examiner (WE).

Jerry Falwell Jr. and Franklin Graham were two evangelical leaders supporting president Trump. Earlier this August, Falwell was placed on indefinite leave after he posted a sexy photo of him with an arm around his wife's pretty assistant. Both showed their midriffs and had their pants unzipped (RNS).

Liberty University is a conservative American University, which made news a few years ago for some flexibility in its strict honor code, which was still restrictive compared to campus life elsewhere (WP story). Clearly, the behavior of the Falwells could not go unnoticed by the Liberty board.

The lengthy statement in the WE presents Jerry Falwell Jr.s' perspective on his wife's affair and the physical and mental health effects he experienced. The familiar words of forgiveness and reconciliation are mentioned so I recommend reading the statement to appreciate the stressful personal experience along with an insight into how this conservative understands Christian forgiveness and reconciliation.

His regret concerning counseling is of course noteworthy for clinicians:

I shouldn’t have been afraid to admit my vulnerabilities and to reach out for assistance from the mental health professionals who could have alleviated this pain and stress. I am committed to speaking out and sharing with others at Liberty the importance of seeking counseling instead of thinking you need to be tough and try to bear these burdens on your own. I am in the early stages of addressing these issues.

In previous decades, major religious leaders have lost positions due to sexual behavior. Some return to prominent positions.

Read more about Sexuality and Christian Morality in

A House Divided: Sexuality, Morality, and Christian Cultures