Anthony Pyles, former pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Louisiana, was deposed by Southern Louisiana Presbytery following his April 15 arrest on charges of first degree rape. 

The stated clerk of Southern Louisiana Presbytery confirmed that Pyles was deposed at the presbytery’s stated meeting on April 26 after submitting a written confession. The presbytery also indefinitely suspended him from the sacraments. 

The clerk also informed byFaith the presbytery is taking steps to provide long-term care for those impacted by his actions and requested prayer for all involved.

Pyles was an adjunct professor at Covenant Theological Seminary beginning in 2021, occasionally teaching online courses. Covenant Seminary has since terminated its relationship with Pyles. 

Covenant Seminary President Tom Gibbs issued the following statement: “Like so many, we were saddened by the recent allegations and deposition of office involving Tony Pyles. Tony had served as an adjunct professor at Covenant Seminary, but upon learning of this case his role at the Seminary was immediately terminated. We are praying for all those affected by this situation.”

Pyles earned his master of divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. According to his curriculum vitae, he served as a teaching assistant during his seminary studies and received multiple honors for his work in New Testament studies. He was ordained in 2022 and served as assistant pastor at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Norman, Oklahoma, from 2022-2023, before becoming pastor of Faith in 2023.