The difference is that of de facto and de jure, but you knew that and I’m sure it was just an attempt an humor and not a statement made out of ignorance.
He was once one of yours and now he is one of theirs.
He seems like a fellow you could use in your church - someone who thinks for himself. On the other hand, scrub that statement. I do not want to be accused of attempting to destroying your church with such heresy.