Hansen says that the podcast has been removed and that he “couldn’t read the names over video and did not check during editing to review the list. I apologize for neglecting that review.”
Chapell’s statement says in part, “With deep regret for harm done to others, I am issuing a public apology for not taking proper care to protect the reputation of others.”
The controversy, however, gained traction, and some of those named responded to it. “I’m happy to report that rumours of my demise (or apostasy or divorce) have been greatly exaggerated!” said Andy Webb, pastor of Providence ARP in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
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Dr. Wes White, adult ministry pastor at Grace Church in Peoria, Illinois, praised Chapell’s ministry and said, “I wish him all the best.”
“Being on that list doesn’t bother me. At one time, I was exactly the kind of person it warns about,” White said. “But I’m grateful those days are behind me.”
Dr. Peter Leithart, president of the Theopolis Institute, said that “Chapell issued what one observer called the ‘Platonic form of the non-apology,’ apologizing that the names could be seen, but not for the lies he told about the men on the list.”
Noting that “Jeff Meyers, who serves on the Theopolis Fellows faculty and Board,” was also on the list, Leithart said, “Neither Jeff nor I are apostates. Both of us have been married for decades. Neither of us, last I checked, has taken his own life. Nor do we spend our lives destroying Christian brothers.”
“Don’t lie. And, [when] you’re confronted with lying, ask forgiveness for lying, not for a procedural error,” said Leithart. “And, [don’t] settle ecclesiastical scores on podcasts and social media. Settle them in the church, as Jesus commanded.”
On May 24, officers of the administrative committee of the PCA issued a statement on byFaith saying the committee was aware of the controversy generated by Chapell’s actions.
