Founder, President of Promise Keepers Quits

Bill McCartney has announced his resignation as president of Promise Keepers so he can continue to care for his ill wife. The resignation of McCartney, who founded the international men’s ministry 13 years ago, is effective Oct. 1.

McCartney’s wife, Lyndi, suffers from a severe respiratory illness, and he had been on a board-approved leave of absence because of her condition. He eventually plans to pursue “other ministry interests,” the organization said in a statement.

Promise Keepers reached its apex with a 1997 “Stand in the Gap” rally on the National Mall, which was attended by hundreds of thousands of men. Since that time, it has had financial difficulties and reduced attendance.

Until a successor is chosen, Promise Keepers will be led by retired Army Gen. Alonzo Short, the board chairman who has served as interim president since McCartney began a six-month sabbatical in March.