The evangelical church in America is diseased. According to Joy Reports, the email was originally posted in a private Facebook group called "Friends who like Ravi Zacharias" that has more than 30,000 members. Davis sent an internal email to RZIM staff in mid-December promising to release the full report when it is finished and urging everyone to be patient until it is done. By their accounts, the apologetics ministrycommitted to the fearless pursuit of the truthseemed at key moments to withhold information from staff, fudge the facts to be more favorable to Zacharias, and prioritize the protection of the founders reputation over everything else. The advice and recommendations were not well received. Private devotion, community service, and entertainment arent what the local congregation is for. Culture. A number of ministry teammates believe the fault doesnt lie only with Zacharias, but also with the top ministry officials who supported a culture that allowed him to abuse women without any fear of being challenged and encouraged the casual dismissal of allegations against him. Although, Ravi Zacharias was Anglican, which is not generally included under the umbrella of . Why are you putting words in my mouth? said Allberry, according to people who attended the meeting. Doing so is not cruel. While I loved hearing him speak, he was one of their celebrities. 287610) and as a company limited by guarantee (no. It is suspicious that these sexual allegations come out years later and we prosecute someone in public media, declaring someone guilty until proven innocent. Attended his Hyderabad and Delhi conference, truth-at-life and footprints workshops. However, the explanation simply says that the trust is for the purpose of paying disbursed compensation to the founder upon retirement, death, or disability and is revocable. The wife of leading apologist and academic, Ravi Zacharias, has said that her husband is experiencing significant pain after undergoing surgery on his spine . Sin is not the problem here. But rather than rigorously investigate them, his namesake organization spun cleverly worded statements . Margaret Reynolds is the wife of Ravi Zacharias. Instead, its behaving like an organization that has something to hide. Management of the spa Ravi co-owned *was* notified at the time by one of his massage therapists. Yesterday (May 16, 2020) I was contacted by two students, both Christians, who were at OBC with Ravi and attended the graduation. In 2015, three Zacharias family members sat on RZIMs board. Back then. The attitude from the younger Zacharias is much of what is wrong with the approach And they have interviewed multiple members of RZIM staff in multi-hour sessions, asking about Zachariass personal history, his extensive travel schedule, and the culture of the board and leadership. Some teammates have asked that RZIM put out a call for other victims to come forwardand promise safety to any who do. Jesus will cut off the dead branches in the vine and throw them into the fire. . Just appreciating your humble response PD7 which is beautiful to see. Im so sorry for Lori Anne and her husband and anyone else betrayed by and hurt by RZ. Further, Renolds has a body measurement of around 42-34-40 inches. Plus, the loan gave Kepes the ability to have undue influencenot just on a key employee, Naomibut also on another board member, Margie Zacharias, and while he was living, Ravi. Ignoring evil, covering it up, all just allows it to grow, impacting the lives of so many. Introduced him to 1000s. Zachariass daughter, RZIM CEO Sarah Davis, promised to release the full results of an ongoing independent investigation. She was a police officer for 30+ years. RZIM has not earned credibility with victims, Weitnauer said. (Rev. Travelled to numerous places to listen to him. The couple had three children, Sarah, Nathan and Naomi. The culture of RZIM is adulation and unquestioning loyalty. Following three allegations made in August 2020 that late Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias engaged in sexual misconduct and abuse in connection with two day spas, his namesake organization, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) commissioned a law firm, Miller & Martin PLLC, to conduct an independent investigation. He promoted unity with the WHORE of REVELATION, the Vatican that was his Greatest Sin. Yes, Ravi has passed away, but his ministry had an effect on millions of people all around the world. A man lives a life of integrity for 74 years, and people will still believe lies that are wholly incompatible with who he was. Thankfully I had stopped listening to him years prior. For some weird reason we seem to want people to fall. Her husband was accused of sexting, spiritual abuse and rape," according to Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), which conducted an independent investigation into the allegations in 2020. 03-06-2020. While their investigation is not complete, the firm reports that they "have found significant, credible evidence that Mr. Zacharias engaged in sexual misconduct over the course of . In an email to her extended family, Margie Zacharias defended her husband, saying that after . That in itself is rather disconcerting. When one searches the tax records, you have to know a starting point because they do not want you to know where they live, or how much their property is worth. We were missionaries with the C&MA and found them to be both secretive and protective of their leaders, while not being afraid of who they wounded along the way. Yet donors should be aware that the ECFA often merely gives a false sense of security, rather than truly holding its members accountable. In this video, I share 3 THINGS . My Mom recently sent an email to some friends and family that is being circulated. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Read it here. It is too costly to my whole frame and family to engage in public defence of the utterly indefensible". It was blaringly apparent that Mr. Z did not want to engage in any sort of clarification or defense or admittance of wrong-doing/sin. Staff members were also told that the lawsuit was dismissed, only to later learn it had been settled with a payment of about $250,000, according to four people inside RZIM. And while extending olive branches to various branches of Christianity is not inherently bad, questions arise when one goes beyond protestant walls. Sign up for our newsletter: Many must have noticed and yet kept quiet, especially his own colleagues so all of RZIM is guilty of hiding lies and all are beneficiaries financially. This enabled RZIM to stop filing IRS form 990s, which reveal the salaries of an organizations top executives, as well the identities of its board members. He also said, however, that if the investigation proved the worst allegations were true, that wouldnt be fatal for the ministry. I understand being suspicious but until youve read the articles and listened to the podcast and seen the evidence that Julie has uncovered, you will not discover the truth. The family of the late apologist Ravi Zacharias have continued to defend him despite an independent investigation confirming that he engaged in sexual and spiritual abuse over a number of years. margie zacharias evicted margie zacharias evicted. Scroll down to WARNING. Gate Project LLC bought it in 2018, but not from Ravi. The conservative voice and Christian content are being silenced more and more. He was 74. The pair also met at Ravi's church's youth group. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. It almost gets to the point where we deify them. But Ravi obviously resonated with it. In Atlanta, where Ravi lived, many live lives of luxuryMichael Youssef, $3 million penthouseAndy Stanley, tax records indicate now close to $2 mil, and then our beloved Jentezen Franklin, hitting the $2 mil milestone himself. my own personal integrity cant tolerate it any more. Allegations also arent discredited if the accusers remain anonymous, he said. Malhotra responded that the trust is explained in Note 8 of the 2018 financial statement. Fixed: Release in which this issue/RFE has been fixed.The release containing this fix may be available for download as an Early Access Release or a General Availability Release. Its necessary. There should be a much larger system of accountability, especially in mega churches. Meanwhile, Zacharias Trust, the UK branch of RZIM, has officially called for a commitment to reform radically the governance, leadership and accountability of the RZIM organisation.. Jessica Lea August 12, 2022. I think I, and others, without awareness, expected Ravi to be more than human, Davis wrote. There have already been internal discussions about changing the name and rebranding. Margie Zacharias, is she in denial or protecting something else? Margie Zacharias, Ravi's widow, resigned from the board and the ministry in January, while her daughter Sarah Davis stepped down as board chair but remains CEO. Margie Zacharias wrote a letter defending her late husband Ravi Zacharias. But some began to openly reject that narrativefirst within the ministry, then publicly. Then, in 2017, he was accused of soliciting sexually explicit images and messages from a supporter. I think they were probably referring to Lori Anne Thompson of the recent texting scandal. Wheaton, Ill., 2014: Ravi Zacharias encourages students to . Fernando Ortega and Ravi Zacharias. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. We advise you upgrade your web browser before continuing to use this website. "There is absolutely no way that Ravi is guilty as charged, convicted, cancelled and executed, some even going so far as to claim that he never knew the Lord," Margie wrote in an email to her friends. According to ECFAs standard on governance, an independent person is defined in part as someone who is not an employee of the organization or related by blood or marriage to staff members or other board members.. Given these many red flags, Miller & Martin should be investigating the RZIM board, not just Ravi Zacharias. He was 74. hes caused enough damage already. Who knew two nonverbal rocks had so much to say? The global Christian ministry founded by the late Ravi Zacharias said Wednesday it will suspend fundraising, lay off 60% of its staff and overhaul its mission in the wake of revelations that he engaged in sexual misconduct with massage therapists and carried on many amorous extramarital relationships via texts and email. I understand your concern for fairness, etc., yet I have been reading about Mr. Zachariass authenticity problems for a few years before his recent illness & death. As Christians, now isnt the time to put our heads in the sand and we have to be more concerned about standing up for what is TRUE, calling out hypocrites, and most importantly, representing Christ well (albeit imperfectly). And then they all humble-brag about it, and use it to advance careers and income streams that are all linked together and mutually dependent. margie zacharias evicted. Over five decades of ministry, he grew to become arguably the most famous Christian apologist in the world. After the allegations emerged, Davis and president Michael Ramsden repeatedly assured staff members that they would not cover anything up. Why are our leaders living so differently than Jesus lived? I am from India. The C&MAs investigation reportedly included a review of all available documents. Yet the Thompsons say the C&MA didnt request any documentation from them. Ravis business partner apologized for not stopping Ravi. I have been asking RZIM for the names of its board members and executive salaries since November 2019, but RZIM refuses to produce them. Its a sobering chapter, but one every evangelical should read. They have said they want the full truth to be told so the ministry can move forward. The ECFA is a bad joke if they wont require disclosure of Board names. He is just the most well known. Lori-Anne Thompson, who wrote of her need to confess her own adultery (itself an admission of dishonesty), is a sexual abuse survivor who claims she was "groomed". Thank you. Email From My Mom. The family of Ravi Zacharias is using a 2020 post on Ravi's Facebook page decrying slavery to promote a new nonprofit led by Naomi Zacharias. CRN has a list of professing Christians to mark and avoid (Rom 16:17-18). The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. Lori Anne Thompson, who came forward to identify herself as the victim in this case and asked to be released from the NDA, told CT that she was not contacted by RZIM during its initial review of Zachariass correspondence or during the current investigation. . On May 8th, 2020 Ravi wished his wife a happy 48th anniversary by posting on Instagram, '48 years ago she gave me her hand in marriage. Margie Zacharias, the widow of the disgraced apologist Ravi Zachariasand former board member and chief cultural officer for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)has broken her silence regarding her late husband's alleged sexual abuse. Ravi Zacharias' wife, Margie, has also spoken out in defense of her late husband. What I find interesting is they are all hiding their properties behind LLCs. The board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries reacted to a report detailing how leaders turned a blind eye to Zacharias' misdeeds for years and spent nearly $1 million to defend the late apologist against allegations of sexual . Another daughter, Naomi Zachariasdirector of Wellspring International, the stated beneficiary of one of Zacharias spas where abuse allegedly occurredwas paid nearly $150,000. Its likely, then, that RZIMs investigation will not be an attempt to discover the truth, but rather a ruse to justify a foregone conclusion. Because we all sin and fall. When CT reported in September that Zacharias had repeatedly exposed himself to, masturbated in front of, and groped women who worked at two Atlanta-area day spas he co-owned, the ministry initially respondedas it had to previous accusationsby flatly denying the allegations. margie zacharias evicted margie zacharias evicted. [ This article is also available in You can unsubscribe anytime. They are quick to discredit those who might come forward (see their slowness in responding to allegations regarding their Mamou boarding school in Africa) with stories of mistreatment or abuse. The address for the home was listed on a 2019 background report for Ravi Zacharias as his current address. 03422292). That concerted pressure may salvage the ministry if they can get cooperation from the people at the head, said L. T. Jeyachandran, former executive director of the Asia-Pacific branch of RZIM from 2001 to 2012. This news comes late for the victims and for this I will forever be sorry.. ", "With much love, and confidence in Ravi and in the God he knew and loved and served, Margie.". He was involved in Christian apologetics for a period spanning more than forty years. Supported Amen. Certainly Kepes, who wanted his loan repaid, would have extra incentive to make sure Naomi and Drew remained employed by RZIM. Some teammates have suggested leaders and board members need to be dismissed, the ministry needs to distance itself from living members of the Zacharias family, and RZIM should offer financial compensation to Zachariass victims. Premier Christian Communications Ltd. Premier consists of Premier Christian Media Trust registered as a charity (no. Other teammates have called out inconsistency in Zachariass own response to the lawsuit. I wish I had seen/heard Zacharias response to your question. They expect Miller & Martins final report to be horrific.. But as Christians we should know that every person is capable of committing the most horrendous crimes given different circumstances. Nathan Zacharias, son of the late disgraced apologist Ravi Zacharias, has posted his first blog in seven months to explain that his recent silence is not due to him having changed his mind about his . Ravi's widow deserves to stay in that home. Looks like RZIM and the Zacharias family, with their secret board, bought themselves a fine law firm to abet their ongoing cover-up of sin in a sham investigation as they obstinately persist in their impenitent ways to their own demise, all the while reimbursing themselves with exorbitant salaries and perks from their donors. (I am addressing not so much you but my entire religion that i am so, so disappointed in. December 23, 2020. Please enable JavaScript in your web browser settings or white-list our domain "premierchristian.news" if you use any plug-ins to block JavaScript. 103 Comments. The credibility of the recent allegations led them to scrutinize RZIMs statements about Zachariass settlement of a 2017 lawsuit with the woman who said he groomed her into sending him sexually explicit messages. When they complained the term dismissed was misleading, they were told the details couldnt be discussed because of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), even though RZIM is not party to the agreement. (Source: Facebook) Confident that Ravi Zacharias' "legacy will be restored," some Zacharias family members are using the late apologist's social media platform to raise money for a new nonprofit . Nathan Zacharias, the son of the late apologist Ravi Zacharias spoke out on social media regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct which have been mounting against his father who died last spring. (printed with permission) Is Margaret Reynolds Married. In January 2020, I asked RZIM public relations manager, Ruth Malhotra, about this arrangement and asked if RZIM had bought a house for the Zachariases. Margie Zacharias officially broke her silence about Ravi Zacharias with an email released to her closest friends and family. The wife of the late Ravi Zacharias wrote an email to her family about her husband's alleged sexual abuse. Anyone who still donates to RZIM is foolish. Legally, they then had a right to break the NDA to counter everything he said about them. The loss of a loved one is always heartbreaking, but the notion of them resting in peace gives . Maybe it makes us feel better about ourselves? wrote Robert Drew McNeil, ex-husband of Zachariass daughter Naomi and former director of the RZIM Academy, on Twitter in mid-October. It opens with this: We confirmed one of the three accounts described in the Christianity Today article and found significant evidence of sexual misconduct involving additional massage therapists. In Cover-Up in the Kingdom, Baughman devotes an entire chapter to Ravis Enablers at God Inc. These enablers include Zacharias publisher, prominent evangelical seminaries, and some speakers at RZIM who surely noticed Zacharias deceptive practices. "In short, I want you, his family, to know beyond a shadow of doubt that I found not one suspicious receipt, letter, card, expenditureabsolutely nothing to support the claims being made or the charges against him." You are right. Sadly, the lack of accountability at RZIM and ECFA is rampant in evangelicalism. The interview lasted about four hours in an Atlanta hotel room, with two investigators asking questions in person and two watching over Zoom, Sharma told CT. "It is not because I am in denial. In May 1972, Zacharias married Margaret "Margie" Reynolds, whom he met at his church's youth group. While this may be true, I think its irresponsible to accuse one who cannot defend against the allegations, said someone on Facebook. Do share this story to encourage others to pray too. ), I get your point Scottie. So, before the results of any independent investigation, RZIM apparently has made up its mind. On the positive side, Julie and Steve are bringing to light issues that may never have been exposed. Ravi sold his house (different address) in 2019. There is something terribly disturbing about this pic. People who didnt know him might believe the liesbut not those who knew him well., That sense of defensiveness does not appear to have limited the scope of the investigation conducted by the law firm Miller & Martin. If the C&MA conducted a valid investigation in 2018, the denomination should be willing to disclose details . Theyd meet in his office to work on projects.. They were the parents of at least 1 son. Nathan Zacharias Uncategorized April 22, 2021 - family's personal website. Instead, its behaving like an organization that has something to hide. We like to think there are some people (Christian leaders included) beyond certain sins. Because we all sin and fall. We anticipate that this investigation will address many of the questions and concerns members of the team are raising, Davis wrote in an email to all staff before the public announcement on December 23, and we commit to addressing these with you at the appropriate time, after the investigation is complete.. Then, days before Christmas, RZIM officially recognized substantial evidence that Zacharias sexually abused multiple women. But Miller & Martin was hired by the board, and has a fiduciary responsibility to the board, so Im quite sure this will not happen. Zacharias was the author of more than thirty books on Christianity, He also hosted the radio . They could all be lying. He said he safeguarded his marriage by following the Billy Graham Rule and never spending time alone with a woman who wasnt his wife or daughter. While tens of thousands flocked to campus, school officials met in a storage closet to make decisions that would honor what is happening.. Earlier this year, the findings of an investigation commissioned by RZIM and carried out by law firm Miller & Martin, confirmed that Ravi Zacharias engaged in "sexting, unwanted touching, spiritual abuse, and rape". February 25, 2023 . The question, they say, is whether RZIM will take responsibility for either not knowing about the abuse and failing to offer any accountability, or knowing about it and covering it up. It also would have demanded all emails and phone records during the time in which the sexting between Zacharias and Lori Anne Thompson occurred. The Justice from above you mention, might it perhaps manifest ascancer? I dont remember him sharing how he felt ashamed about his private sins anywhere publicly. The life of king David should be proof enough that even a man after Gods own heart can fall into deep sin and be blind to it. Associated Press. The firm has been accused of fraud and appears to have little expertise in sexual harassment and abuse cases. Zacharias is unlikely to have "groomed" a 40 year-old adult.