What Are the Reasons for Dr. Charles Stanley’s Divorce?

Dr. Charles Stanley’s divorce from his wife in 2000 was reportedly caused by what his former wife described as many years of marital disappointments and conflict. Anna Stanley originally filed for divorce in June 1993 but was persuaded by Charles Stanley to amend it to a legal separation. Anna Stanley again filed for divorce in 1995, officially stating that their marriage of over 40 years was broken beyond repair.

Dr. Charles and Anna Stanley’s divorce proceedings caused a scandal in the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia, which Charles was the senior pastor of at the time of the divorce filing. Charles had stated in 1995 that should his wife officially divorce him, he would immediately resign his position within the church. Despite the divorce becoming final, Dr. Charles Stanley remained as the church’s head pastor with positive support from its congregation as they voted to retain him.

Dr. Charles’ divorce also caused a rift to grow with his son, Andy Stanley. The conflict reportedly escalated due to Andy’s disagreement with how his father was approaching the divorce scandal and culminated in his resignation from the First Baptist Church. Andy Stanley went on to establish the North Point Community Church in 1995.