‘I am so ashamed.’ Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte ousted
The senior pastor at the historic First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte in uptown was fired after allegations of misconduct proved true, the church said in an email Wednesday.
Church congregants received an email announcing the departure of Pen Peery and that a yearlong investigation found he had “inappropriate online behavior and extramarital affairs.”
General Presbyter of Charlotte Presbytery Jan Edmiston sent The Charlotte Observer a copy of the information sent to its congregants. They received an email about Peery’s departure, a letter about the investigation, and a letter from Peery apologizing for his actions.
“I am so ashamed,” Peery wrote, admitting to the allegations. “I regret what I have done and who I have hurt.”
The church email said Peery admitted to the allegations and that it started five years ago. It did not involve church members or children. He received two charges within the church of adultery and two charges of wrongful concealment, the email said. Peery said in his letter that his “physical infidelity” was consensual.
“What started as a curiosity turned into secret life hidden from the family who loved me and from you,” Peery said. Peery, who comes from a family of pastors, said in his letter that he and his wife have four children.
He said in the letter that he would be following the Presbytery’s covenant with departing pastors and would be unavailable for contact.
The self-described “inclusive” First Presbyterian Church was built in 1857 and is one of Charlotte’s oldest structures, according to the Charlotte Museum of History website. Peery has been a minister at the church since 2012.
Peery has been censured by a Commission of Presbytery. Because of this, Peery is not allowed to work in a ministry for at least three years, the church said. Instead, he has to work with a counselor and accountability team.
Edmiston, who acts as the church’s spokesperson, provided a statement by phone on Thursday.
“We are standing with this congregation and with the Peery family in this difficult situation,” Edmiston said.
The announcement of Peery’s departure was first reported by The Charlotte Ledger.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published September 4, 2025 at 9:42 AM.
