Bestselling Christian author Philip Yancey, whose faith-centered books have shaped generations of readers, has publicly admitted to an extramarital affair and announced his retirement from writing, public speaking, and social media.

In a deeply personal statement published on January 6 in Christianity Today—a publication where he once served as editor-at-large—Yancey revealed that he engaged in an eight-year affair with a married woman while being married to his wife of more than five decades, Janet Norwood Yancey.

Yancey Acknowledges Betrayal and Apologizes Publicly

Yancey, best known for influential Christian works such as What’s So Amazing About Grace? and Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?, described the relationship as a “sinful affair” and acknowledged the harm caused to multiple families.

“My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage,” Yancey wrote. “It was also totally inconsistent with my faith and my writings and caused deep pain for her husband and both of our families.”

He added that he would not provide further details out of respect for those affected, emphasizing accountability over explanation.

The author said he has confessed his actions to God and to his wife and is currently participating in professional counseling and an accountability program as part of his efforts toward repentance and personal responsibility.

Stepping Away from the Public Eye

In the statement, Yancey announced his decision to withdraw entirely from public ministry and authorship, saying his actions disqualify him from continuing in a visible Christian leadership role.

“Having disqualified myself from Christian ministry, I am therefore retiring from writing, speaking and social media,” he wrote. “Instead, I need to spend my remaining years living up to the words I have already written.”

Yancey also issued an apology to his readers, acknowledging that many placed trust in him not only as a writer but as a spiritual guide. He expressed regret for dishonoring both his faith and the community he served.

Janet Yancey Responds with Pain and Faith

Alongside her husband’s statement, Christianity Today published a separate message from Janet Norwood Yancey, who spoke candidly about the emotional devastation caused by the betrayal.

“I am speaking from a place of trauma and devastation that only people who have lived through betrayal can understand,” she wrote.

Despite the pain, Janet Yancey reaffirmed her commitment to their marriage, which has lasted more than 55 years.

“I made a sacred and binding marriage vow 55½ years ago, and I will not break that promise,” she continued.

Her statement also reflected her Christian faith and her struggle to reconcile forgiveness with profound hurt.

“I accept and understand that God through Jesus has paid for and forgiven the sins of the world, including Philip’s,” she wrote. “God grant me the grace to forgive also, despite my unfathomable trauma. Please pray for us.”

A Storied Career in Christian Literature

Philip Yancey has been one of the most prominent voices in modern Christian publishing for decades. His books The Jesus I Never Knew and What’s So Amazing About Grace? both received Christian Book of the Year honors from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, according to The New York Times.

In 2023, the organization also recognized Yancey with an award celebrating his lifetime contributions to the church and Christian thought—a recognition that now stands in sharp contrast to his recent disclosure.

Throughout his career, Yancey was known for addressing doubt, grace, suffering, and faith with intellectual honesty, often appealing to readers across denominational lines.

Community Reaction and Moving Forward

The revelation has sparked widespread discussion within Christian communities about accountability, forgiveness, and the responsibilities of public faith leaders. While reactions have ranged from grief and disappointment to calls for compassion and prayer, Yancey’s announcement signals a definitive end to his public-facing role.

As he steps away from ministry and publishing, Yancey stated that his priority is repairing his marriage and rebuilding trust with his wife and family.