Sadly, after several years of separation Charles Stanley’s 44 year marriage to his wife Ann Stanley ended in divorce in May 2000. For many, the grounds for Charles Stanley’s divorce still remains unclear leaving many wondering what were the grounds for Charles Stanley’s divorce.

Reportedly, Charles Stanley’s wife, Anna Stanley, originally filed for divorce on 6/22/93 following their separation in the spring of 1992, but the two agreed Anna would amend the lawsuit to seek a legal separation instead (”separate maintenance”) while seeking reconciliation. Ann Stanley again filed for divorce on 3/20/95. Charles Stanley told the congregation in 1995, “If my wife divorces me, I would resign immediately.” Reportedly, Ann Stanley agreed to withdraw the divorce suit and work towards reconciliation. Things reportedly seemed hopeful by 1998, then fell apart again. In February 2000, she again filed for divorce, and a judge issued a final decree May 11, 2000 ending the 44-year marriage. Charles Stanley partly blamed “childhood difficulties.” But the grounds for Charles Stanely’s divorce was reported to be the marriage was “irretrievably broken.” Reportedly, Charles Stanley remained eligible to be pastor of First Baptist Church as long as he did not remarry.

Charles Stanley is a prominent Christian minister, TV and radio Bible teacher, author of numerou inspirational books, and former president of the Southern Baptist Conference.