Pastor Bob Coy Resigns From Calvary Chapel for "Moral Failing"

Longtime senior pastor Bob Coy has resigned from popular Fort Lauderdale megachurch Calvary Chapel -- which has a reported membership of 20,000 -- for "moral failure."

Rumors swirled over the weekend about his departure, and suspicions grew as videos and mentions of Coy disappeared from the church website. On Sunday afternoon, staffers were called to a mandatory meeting in which church officials announced via prepared statement that Coy had left because of his sins. A special meeting for church members followed.

One blog reported that Coy had admitted to multiple affairs and a problem with pornography. His Facebook page lists his political views as "everyone's a sinner."

See also: Bob Coy Sex Scandal: Florida's Worst Religious Leaders

Coy is from Michigan. He lived in Las Vegas before founding the Fort Lauderdale church.

Today it is reportedly the 14th-biggest church in America with assets of $135 million.

Insiders reported that "Coy confessed to key leaders on Wednesday. A board meeting was called on Thursday in which he confessed and resigned."

Sunday afternoon the church released a statement that said:

On April 3, 2014, Bob Coy resigned as Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, effective immediately, after confessing to a moral failing in his life which disqualifies him from continuing his leadership role at the church he has led since its founding in 1985. The media ministry of the Active Word that distributes his Bible teachings through radio, television, and digital media has also been suspended.

Pastor Bob will be focusing his full attention on his personal relationship with God and with his family. The governing board of the church is providing counselors and ministers who will help guide him through the process of full repentance, cleansing and restoration.

Trusting in God's providence, protection, provision and direction, the staff of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale will continue our mission to "make disciples," through regular services at all campuses and through a myriad of other ministries the church has established over the years. A team of assistant pastors already on staff will maintain their usual rotating schedule as teaching pastors for all services.

Thank you for all of the love for Bob, CCFL & most of all, for our Savior Jesus. Continue in prayer for the Coy family.

— CalvaryFTL (@CalvaryFTL) April 7, 2014

Coy's Twitter has been silent since Wednesday.

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