Philadelphia Presbytery has provided byFaith with a statement that contains an update on the judicial process currently underway involving Teaching Elder Liam Goligher. This case originates from accusations that surfaced regarding Goligher as previously reported. The presbytery’s statement is as follows:

In the name of the Presbyterian Church in America, the ad hoc Judicial Commission of the Philadelphia Presbytery in regards to TE Liam Goligher finds him contumacious:

32-6… b. When an accused person shall appear and refuse to plead, or otherwise refuse to cooperate with lawful proceedings, he shall be dealt with for his contumacy (cf. BCO 33-2; 34-4).

34-4. a. When a minister accused of an offense is found contumacious (cf. 32-6), he shall be immediately suspended from the sacraments and his office for his contumacy. Record shall be made of the fact and of the charges under which he was arraigned, and the censure shall be made public. The censure shall in no case be removed until the offender has not only repented of his contumacy, but has also given satisfaction in relation to the charges against him.

34-4 b. If after further endeavor by the court to bring the accused to a sense of his guilt, he persists in his contumacy, he shall be deposed and excommunicated from the Church.

The accused objectively hindered the proceedings of this court, and acted against the peace, unity and purity of the Church, and the honor and majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the King and Head thereof.

Because of TE Goligher’s refusal to comply with the lawful proceedings of this court in defiance of BCO 32-6b, these proceedings are hindered and continuing without due repentance from TE Goligher for his contumacy poses a serious risk to the wellbeing of witnesses and victims named in these proceedings.

In accord with BCO 34-4, TE Liam Goligher is:

• “Immediately suspended from the sacraments and his office for his contumacy.”

This censure:

• “Shall be made public.”
• “Shall in no case be removed until the offender has not only repented of his contumacy, but has also given satisfaction in relation to the charges against him.”

Almighty God, we humbly ask that you would follow this act of discipline with your blessing.

Executed this day, May 20, 2024

Ad Hoc Judicial Commission of the Philadelphia Presbytery