Seminary President Steps Down

Presbyterian leader Donald W. McCullough, president of San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) since 1994, has been convicted of two counts of sexual abuse by the Permanent Judicial Commission of San Francisco Presbytery. McCullough resigned from the SFTS presidency on May 1, a few days before the conviction, after admitting to inappropriate conduct involving two women. Both McCullough and SFTS are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA.One offense took place while McCullough was pastor of Solana Beach Presbyterian Church near San Diego. The second occurred between his election to the seminary in May 1994 and his installation in October 1994.McCullough led the seminary’s first successful capital campaign to repair its earthquake-damaged buildings, raising over $11.5 million.On May 22, the judicial commission suspended McCullough’s ordination until he finishes a rehabilitation and counseling program at his expense.In light of the presbytery’s findings, Christianity Today regretfully has removed McCullough from its list of consulting editors.”I’m so saddened by the whole matter,” says John Huffman, a CTi board member, pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, Calif., and a longtime friend of McCullough’s. “Don is a gifted person and a valued friend. He and all involved are in my prayers.”