News by email Donate

Suggestions

World News

Pastor who likened sex to Christ and the Church resigns from leadership

by Kelly Valencia
Josh Butler Redemption Church.png - Banner image
Redemption Church

Josh Butler, an American author and pastor who sparked criticism for likening sex to Christ and the Church earlier this year, has resigned from leading Redemption Tempe in Arizona, USA.

In March, Butler published an article on The Gospel Coalition (TGC) comparing the sexual union of a husband and wife to that of Christ and the church, describing sex as “an icon of salvation”.

The article, an insert of Butler’s new book ‘Beautiful Union’, caused a firestorm online, with many Christians condemning the language used and describing it as “heresy”.

Following the backlash, TGC removed the article replacing it with an apology and the announcement that Butler had resigned as a fellow of the center.

Now, in a letter addressed to the congregation and leaked to social media, Butler said he had decided to resign as he didn’t want to drag the church into the “public conversation” his book had sparked.

“I am resigning as co-lead pastor of Redemption Tempe,” Butler said. “I have processed this with our elders and am writing this together with them, with a desire to share my reasons for resigning with you.”

He continued: “We have found ourselves in an impossible situation…On the one hand, I feel called to step more into these public conversations…On the other hand, I don’t want to drag Redemption into that public conversation with me.”

Butler also apologised to anyone who had been hurt by the contents of his article and said he was committed to a “process of repair with any members of Redemption who desire it”.

“I’ve loved leading at Redemption Tempe,” Butler concluded.

“I love you all as my church family, and am looking forward to what God has in store for the season ahead. I look forward to worshiping together with you next Sunday.”

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate