Philip Yancey Confesses to 8-Year Affair, Steps Away from Public Life
Popular Christian author Philip Yancey on Tuesday confessed to a lengthy affair and announced he was withdrawing from writing, speaking, and social media.
Yancey, 76, made the comments to Christianity Today, saying the affair spanned eight years. Through such books as What’s So Amazing About Grace? (1997) and The Jesus I Never Knew (1995), Yancey helped shape evangelical conversations for decades. He is a former editor at Christianity Today and began his writing career in the 1970s.
He has been married to his wife, Janet Yancey, for 55 years.
“To my great shame, I confess that for eight years I willfully engaged in a sinful affair with a married woman,” he said in a statement released to Christianity Today. “My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage. It was also totally inconsistent with my faith and my writings and caused deep pain for her husband and both of our families. I will not share further details out of respect for the other family.
“I have confessed my sin before God and my wife, and have committed myself to a professional counseling and accountability program. I have failed morally and spiritually, and I grieve over the devastation I have caused. I realize that my actions will disillusion readers who have previously trusted in my writing. Worst of all, my sin has brought dishonor to God. I am filled with remorse and repentance, and I have nothing to stand on except God’s mercy and grace.”
Christianity Today also published a statement from his wife.
“I, Janet Yancey, am speaking from a place of trauma and devastation that only people who have lived through betrayal can understand,” Janet Yancey wrote. “Yet I made a sacred and binding marriage vow 55½ years ago, and I will not break that promise. I accept and understand that God through Jesus has paid for and forgiven the sins of the world, including Philip’s. God grant me the grace to forgive also, despite my unfathomable trauma. Please pray for us.”
Meanwhile, Philip Yancey said he would be stepping away from public life.
“I am now focused on rebuilding trust and restoring my marriage of 55 years,” he said. “Having disqualified myself from Christian ministry, I am therefore retiring from writing, speaking, and social media. Instead, I need to spend my remaining years living up to the words I have already written. I pray for God’s grace and forgiveness – as well as yours – and for healing in the lives of those I’ve wounded.”
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Related Podcast: 6 Keys to Rebuild Trust After an Affair
Let's talk about what it takes to heal and rebuild trust after the devastating impact of infidelity. In this episode, we break down the critical steps for both the cheating spouse and the wounded spouse. You may be familiar with the main themes in this episode, like the importance of open and honest communication and a no-contact rule. Other factors that fly under the radar, however, like what good boundaries are and initiated accountability aren't always so obvious, though equally essential. The cheating spouse must take the proactive approach of being humble, transparent, and responsible for their actions.If this episode helps your marriage, be sure to subscribe to The Rebuilding Us Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published January 07, 2026.
