RZIM-Why I am Angry?

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Categories: Pastors Blog

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Dear Pastors

RZIM-Why I Am Angry?

Though it is true that RZIM are in damage control now (since the independent report came out last week) it has taken them far too long. The cover-ups, the denials, the intimidations, the cycling around and around the elephant without ever naming that thing, and the shaming of insiders who dared to raise questions when they ‘smelt a rat’ and who did not accept Ravi Zacharias’s (RZ) explanations on ‘face value’ nor those of the Board is so wrong whatever way you want to cut it. But more on that in a moment.

As I have stated before I also feel sad, really sad for all the victims that RZ abused. I feel sad for Lori Anne Thompson (but glad that she is now vindicated). I feel sad for RZ’s family especially his wife of over 40 years. And yes I feel sad for RZ himself. Imagine living with this amount of dysfunction and darkness deep in your soul all the while preaching the good news about Jesus, saviour, redeemer, healer, and Holy God. The inner turmoil and even torment must have been excruciating at times. It’s incredibly hard to understand. But folks, it doesn’t take a doctorate in psychology to conclude that Ravi had a deep, complicated and abiding personal problem. He had a massive ‘hole in his soul’. Ravi needed help years ago. Ravi needed a therapeutic intervention years ago before he abused even one young women. Ravi needed to do himself what he preached to others, namely ‘own up’, humbly admit his problem and seek help, good professional help. What Board wouldn’t have supported such a confession and the resultant recovery steps that were needed to help Ravi come to sexual wholeness.

I am also feeling bothered by the numbers of Christian’s (many Christian leaders) who want to extend Grace to RZ. “Aaahh we are all sinners, it’s not fair RZ can’t defend himself, we are all broken people therefore we can’t judge and on and on”. There’s no doubt that Grace is extended to RZ, it always was…..always…….. on condition that he faced his demons. But he didn’t, he just doubled down when the heat came on. Tragic!

But folks, it doesn’t take a doctorate in psychology to conclude that Ravi had a deep, complicated and abiding personal problem. He had a massive ‘hole in his soul’.

Back to the RZIM Board. On a positive note it does appear that the RZIM USA Board (where RZ was based) are, since the independent report was published last week seeking to be transparent.

However, I have a number of issues with them and out of this we have much to learn, I believe.

  1. The individual board members maintain anonymity except the previous Board Chair and one of RZ’s daughter’s Sarah Davis and who continues as CEO of RZIM. There explanation apparently is ‘fear of reprisals’. I don’t live in the States so don’t understand this at all. This wouldn’t be allowed in NZ. As at writing no Board member or member of the senior leadership team has resigned.
  2. Family members on the Board. This is simply unwise primarily because it IS a conflict of interest and therefore shouldn’t be allowed. How can you as RZ’s wife or (adult) child be completely objective if your husband and father is being held accountable, criticised, scrutinised or otherwise investigated. You can’t, pure and simple. As David French says, “what are the lessons we can learn? Some are obvious. When family members of founders occupy the controlling heights of an organization, they are placed under immense strain and face an obvious conflict of interest when their father is accused of misconduct. Rigorous, independent investigations should be mandatory when accusers come forward. Compliance with reasonable investigatory requests (such as turning over phones and other communications equipment) must be required. Governing boards should be powerful, independent, and transparent”.
  3. Refusal to take complaints of sexual misconduct seriously. This is a biggey. For crying out loud, in this day and age of sexual abuse (and psychological abuse) in all corners of our highly sexualised society, why did the Board not only refuse to take complaints seriously but intimidated a couple of staff members (good people of high integrity) who ‘pushed back’ and didn’t believe the spin. That’s what I am most angry about. In my opinion any Board who do this should also be investigated and held to account. It appears that this is happening now.

Boards (elders, directors, trustees) of local churches and Christian organisations have a ‘duty of care’ for every person that is associated with that ministry especially the Senior leader. That means the Board is ultimately responsible to ensure the senior leader is at all times operating ethically and morally and that his or her soul is spiritually and emotionally in good shape. And if they have any concerns at all then they are obligated to speak up.

Perhaps this is the most important lesson of all.

Blessings
Alan

Sources
1. Christianity Today’s investigative article.
2. David French excellent analysis in The Dispatch.
3. An opinion piece by Tanya Marlow, “5 Stupid Things Christian Say about Sexual Abusers”.

Announcement:
Revitalise is a half day gathering for Pastors and Christian leaders in Hamilton on the 18th March 2021. Don Barry is the Keynote speaker. Information and Rego details can be found here

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