In a development that has sent shockwaves through evangelical communities on both sides of the Atlantic, renowned American pastor Tony Evans has abruptly resigned from his position leading the 10,000-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas.
The prominent Christian leader and radio personality announced his departure after confessing to an unspecified 'sin' that he states occurred years ago, though specific details remain shrouded in mystery.
The Fall from Grace
Dr Evans, who founded the Dallas megachurch nearly five decades ago in 1976, made the stunning revelation during a recent Sunday service. The 74-year-old pastor, known for his influential 'The Urban Alternative' radio programme that reaches millions globally, stated he was stepping down from all ministry responsibilities effective immediately.
'I am stepping away from my pastoral duties and from serving the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship effective today,' Evans declared to his congregation, leaving many longtime followers in disbelief.
Vague Confession Leaves Questions Unanswered
The nature of what Evans described only as 'sin' remains deliberately undisclosed, with church leadership offering minimal clarification. In an official statement, the church elders confirmed they had received 'confirmation of a sin' that Evans had 'committed years ago' but provided no further specifics about the transgression.
This calculated vagueness has sparked intense speculation within religious circles and among the congregation's 10,000 members about what could have prompted such a dramatic fall from grace for one of America's most respected Christian voices.
Decades of Ministry Abruptly Ended
Tony Evans leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of nearly five decades building Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship from humble beginnings into one of America's most influential African-American congregations. His daughter, Priscilla Shirer, a well-known Christian author and speaker in her own right, continues her ministry independently.
The church elders have stated they will undertake a 'period of transition and healing' while determining future leadership for the congregation Evans built from the ground up.
This resignation marks one of the most significant pastoral downfalls in recent American evangelical history, raising difficult questions about accountability, transparency, and the complex dynamics of power within megachurch structures that British religious observers will be watching closely.
