His statement is Biblically illiterate and poorly reasoned. Especially so for Ravi's wife, Margie, and family. No investments that I was not aware of. I also recently discovered that Paul Kepesan RZIM board member in 2015loaned Naomi Zacharias and her former husband $332,000 to remodel a home the couple had purchased in 2015 for $495,000. (printed with permission) Zacharias' wife, Margie, has so far refused to release Thompson from the NDA, she said in January. By juni 4, 2022 hpital cochin pma. Certainly, anyone whos read Steve Baughmans 2018 book, Cover-Up in the Kingdom, can see that Zacharias exaggerated his credentials and outright lied about being an Oxford professor. She went on to describe how she found receipts dating back to 1980s, money, pain medications, watches and photographs. Zacharias was the author of more than thirty books on Christianity, He also hosted the radio . Likewise, Naomi Zacharias published her second book, Twelve Women of the Bible Study Guide with DVD: Life-Changing Stories for Women Today in 2012.The book costs $19.94 for paperback and $6.99 for the Kindle edition.. Naomi Zacharias' books are making her profits and helping her add up to her earnings and reputation as an author. 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. Why are our leaders living so differently than Jesus lived? But rather than rigorously investigate them, his namesake organization spun cleverly worded statements, which exploited evangelicals desire to lionize their champion apologist. You are doing the right thing Julie. "He could never have kept a secret like they are alleging (alleging, I say, as there is not one whit of evidence to support what they are saying)," said Margie in an email that her son, Nathan, published on his blog . I want us to be asking, What would RZIM have to do to truly repent?. Yet, Thompson told me RZIM never contacted her or asked for any documentation. I addressed the issue only from the perps side: which is often the case :(. In the final months of 2020, some pushed senior leadership to acknowledge the credibility of the detailed allegations raised against Ravi Zacharias after his death, demonstrate concern for victims of sexual abuse, and take responsibility for the corporate culture that prioritized his legacy over everything else. 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. The board also should have interviewed Thompson and asked her for documentation. We like to think there are some people (Christian leaders included) beyond certain sins. Now the ministry he founded grapples with accountability amid toxic loyalty culture., Image: Illustration by Mallory Rentsch / Source Images: Google Maps / Portrait Courtesy of RZIM. Its actually stupid to misuse the name of the most famous university in the world. Margaret happily married her late husband Ravi Zacharias. Stunningly, he replied that ECFAs standards do not require ECFA members to disclose who serves on their board. I was not privy to any of the conversations nor any of the documentation . The new allegations have been a watershed. Zacharias had been battling sarcoma and died at his home in Atlanta on Tuesday, Ravi . They had three children, Sarah, Nathan, and Naomi. Fernando Ortega and Ravi Zacharias. According to Allberry, there has been evasiveness, misinformation, and intimidation. Gilman asked a question about how RZIMs initial denial had characterized victims of sexual abuse and was told by a supervisor that he should reconsider whether RZIM was a good fit for him anymore. Facing increased internal pressure, leaders have started to discuss a period of prayer and fasting to follow the final report. Facebook Twitter RSS. That in itself is rather disconcerting. The following web browsers are supported by this website: Please contact your system administrator if you require assistance upgrading or changing your web browser. Ravis business partner apologized for not stopping Ravi. English. Nathan Zacharias Uncategorized April 22, 2021 - family's personal website. Miller & Martin investigators are still interviewing people and pursuing leads. I do hope our decision to publicly release an interim report before Christmasreally a simple update from Miller & Martindemonstrates our desire for transparency. ], Subscribe to CT
He is just the most well known. No Celebrities Except Jesus: How Asbury Protected the Revival, After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination, The Kings College Faces Threat of Closure, Southern Baptist Convention Disfellowships Saddleback Church, evasiveness, misinformation, and intimidation, With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal. The interim report on the investigation was released in part as a promise of future transparency. Given the 2017 sexting allegations, I asked Malhotra in January 2020 whether RZIM had already disbursed the full trust to Zacharias and under what conditions the trust could be revoked. Ravi's widow deserves to stay in that home. But as Christians we should know that every person is capable of committing the most horrendous crimes given different circumstances. Because we all sin and fall. You are very brave in the face of much criticism. Gilman has also asked RZIM to make a clear statement that allegations arent invalid if people come forward after the person theyre accusing has died, since many victims dont feel safe until then. The official statement did not, however, acknowledge any corporate responsibility. Michael Ramsden did not build RZIM. Yes, we are all capable of wrongdoing, but Ravis willful choices put him in an exceptionally despicable league which most human beings would not stoop to, let alone be able to even imagine. The law firm hired to investigate multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse by the late Ravi Zacharias has released an interim report. RZIM says it 'does not agree' with entire explosive Guidepost report, but vows to 'learn' from mistakes. Legally, they then had a right to break the NDA to counter everything he said about them. I dont think anyone would have thought consciously in their head, Oh, Ravis reputation is more important than victims of sexual abuse, Baker-Hytch said, but I think that has sometimes been the impression that the leaderships words and actions have created.. According to RZIMs initial response to CTs reporting, the family and ministry teammates of Ravi Zachariasa group that includes a few hundred speakers and staff members in more than a dozen offices around the worldknew the allegations werent true based on their personal experiences with Zacharias. But most of these allegations were around when Ravi was alive. She was a police officer for 30+ years. 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. . 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. 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". You are right. We believed that God had uniquely gifted him, built him for this life, never seeing the fraying, the vulnerability, the dark side., According to Davis, we forgot he was just a man, because he seemed like such an exceptional one. Anyone who still donates to RZIM is foolish. CRN has a list of professing Christians to mark and avoid (Rom 16:17-18). I continue to pray this and when the investigation is completed, we intend to address allegations past and present, to ask forgiveness where needed, to seek restoration where appropriate. Sorry, your web browser is not capable of supporting the features required by this website. April 21, 2021. Wow that is even more damnable. One woman said that he had raped her and justified the rape by saying it was his "'reward' for living . We have seen this too often. Ravi and his wife received more than a half-million dollars. The publication of the preliminary report from the outside investigative team and RZIMs official acknowledgement of evidence of sexual misconduct indicate the ministry will take the charges more seriously than it has in the past. Im so sorry for Lori Anne and her husband and anyone else betrayed by and hurt by RZ. In her email, Margie Zacharias explains how she started going through Ravi's belongings as she was given 90 days by RZIM to leave their house and "wanted to be certain that nothing was left of Ravi that anyone could take and twist and create a story to use against him". Then, in 2017, he was accused of soliciting sexually explicit images and messages from a supporter. Given these many red flags, Miller & Martin should be investigating the RZIM board, not just Ravi Zacharias. Despite these many issues, RZIM remains a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). margie zacharias evicted. Its necessary. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. No Comments . Zacharias used tens of thousands of dollars of ministry funds dedicated to a "humanitarian effort" to pay four massage therapists, providing them housing, schooling, and monthly support for extended periods of time, according to investigators. Stackhouse has always seen him as a poor thinker and an often off-putting communicator, using a video of Ravis answer to the question: Why are Christians so judgmental? as an example. The pair also met at Ravi's church's youth group. She denies all claims of abuse by her late husband. Since its not an ongoing problem, and he surely wont do it again, Im not sure I see the relevance, said another. The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. The main problem, though, is with us following so-called Christian celebrities instead of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only GOD can be their comfort," says Rev Edmund Chan. Juana Valentina Restrepo Edad, Nene Leakes Broadway Salary, Margie Zacharias Evicted, Acushnet Bullseye Flange Putter, The Wonderland Murders Portland Oregon Charlie, Franklin On American Housewife Singing Shallow, Confused Again Novel Grace And Caden, Because it is the right thing to do. The fact of the matter is religion has long been a means for hucksters to get rich. Frankly, I believe these women and find their allegations to be credible.. Sign up for our newsletter: Similarly, Reynolds uses a bra of size 38B and shoes of size 6. 03-06-2020. Later an audit revealed that MacDonald made about $800,000 per year in salary and benefits. Do share this story to encourage others to pray too. Over five decades of ministry, he grew to become arguably the most famous Christian apologist in the world. The culture of RZIM is adulation and unquestioning loyalty. Scroll down to WARNING. Though RZIM has hired a firm to investigate the spa allegations, whats telling is RZIMs recent statement, labeling the accusations false.. I believe the women who have come forward, Amy Orr-Ewing, a senior vice president with RZIM and the ministrys first full-time female apologist, told CT. I am so grieved at what these brave individuals have described and the courage it has taken for them to even start to reveal their stories.. Will Maule, Faithwire. However, Nathan Zacharias, explained on Instagram that his mum had asked him to publish the email on his blog 'Defending Ravi', so they "can ensure the content remains accurate". Zacharias solicited and received photos until a few months before his death in May 2020 at age 74. Ive had to be careful not to get caught up in that with some of my favorites in the reform to camp like Sproul and MacArthur, especially since now that MacArthur is at the forefront of standing up against government tyranny in California. As The Roys Report reported in October, the house in which Ravi and Margie Zacharias lived was bought in 2018 by an LLC managed by an RZIM executive. They would rather believe that the victims are making things up than consider that there could have been wrongdoing or deception. I am very impressed with your investigative articles and how you present all angles. We better fear the almighty God of the universe! "I am trying to formulate a response to the [report] and [the RZIM] board statement . 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 . A look at RZIMs last 990, filed in 2015, indicates possible reasons why. "We spoke with many witnesses, both within and outside RZIM, who saw the question of . I believe they were encouraged to speak out now by knowing their were others from the spa. Baker-Hytch wrote a letter and was pressured to revise it or amend it before it was ultimately leaked to Roys, who posted the letter online. They refrained from doing so until two days ago. Margie Zacharias has broken her silence to defend her late husband, the apologist Ravi Zacharias, from sexual and spiritual abuse findings which caused Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) to reorganise. But some began to openly reject that narrativefirst within the ministry, then publicly. Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT. RZIM Confirms Ravi Zachariass Sexual Misconduct, Everything Everywhere All at Once and the Beautiful Mystery of Gods Silence. You can unsubscribe anytime. Don't miss out! Subscribers receive full access to the archives. WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHOSE LIVE WERE DESTROYED?? :(. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. He was 74. He used their confidentially shared stories to allegedly exploit him. I think we need a total apology and total transparency, Max Baker-Hytch, an RZIM speaker who also teaches philosophy at Oxford University, told CT. Im afraid we wont really admit to the corporate complicity and the toxic loyalty culture.. Over the past three months, CT interviewed seven current and two former RZIM speakers and staff in five countries. I contacted C&MA spokesman Peter Burgo for the denominations side of the story. 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. It makes me realize often we put so much stock and faith into these souls who are mere mortals. Other times, the staff members tell CT, Zacharias and other senior leaders would claim that outsiders were concocting scurrilous rumors and launching bogus attacks because of the good work Zacharias was doing promoting the gospel. If our process is seen as circling the wagons around Ravi, then those in positions of influence within Christian ministries and churches who are sexually abusing vulnerable people will see that they can get away with it, Gilman said. And a few months after his death, CT reported allegations that he had sexually harassed multiple massage therapists whom he employed. Indonesian. 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. Photo from Ravi Zacharias on Facebook. 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. February 25, 2023 . Christian apologist and evangelist Ravi Zacharias was called home to be the Lord today (May 19) in his home in Atlanta, following a brief battle with sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. For some weird reason we seem to want people to fall. Members and non members need to be able to appoint the board that is changed every five years Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. My heart longs to see the RZIM board and leadership publicly repent.. 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. But that wasnt true. I am amazed at some of the information you were able to obtain. 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. Find out more about how we safeguard your data and the types of organisations we work with in our. Senior RZIM leaders and board members (whose names are not made public) now face pressure from within the ministry to demonstrate a new commitment to accountability. She went to them concerned about Ravis inappropriate behavior. If sin is overlooked a few times, we tend to continue in sin! It is suspicious that these sexual allegations come out years later and we prosecute someone in public media, declaring someone guilty until proven innocent. Hearing Zacharias tiptoe around question I have a Q&A session during a Ligonier conference years ago concerning whether Roman Catholicism is a valid Christian denomination, I guess I really shouldnt be surprised that he was likely a charlatan. Wow. 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. Re Ravis competence as an apologist, there is an article by the Canadian theologian and apologist John Stackhouse that addresses the issue: johnstackhouse.com/ravi-zacharias-as-exemplary-apologist-a-demurral/. RZIM leadership, for its part, has asked for more time to do the right thing. But while Zacharias was being upheld as the gold standard, no one was willing to look at these practices or hold the board accountable. Sin is not the problem here. You praise Ravi all the time and never hold him accountable.. Further, Renolds has a body measurement of around 42-34-40 inches. Culture. This is mentioned in the 2015 990, as well as in a 2018 RZIM financial report I obtained. She concluded her email affirming her confidence on her husband's innocence. I have been asking RZIM for the names of its board members and executive salaries since November 2019, but RZIM refuses to produce them. At an online all-staff meeting in mid-October, however, RZIM speaker Sam Allberry, who officiated at Zachariass graveside service, asked why ministry teammates had been included in the official denial. "Many people have written in to ask if a quiet blog means something has changed," said . Born on March 26, 1946, Chennai, India, Ravi Zacharias breathed his last among loved ones on May 19, 2020. The recent crisis has prompted staff members to revisit previous scandals. We will not notify you again about this until you next restart your browser. He got to keep his sinecure job but Ravi's wife, who was innocent in this whole ordeal, was shown the door. The couple added that during the only conversation they had with the C&MA, General Counsel Gary Friesen told them that the sexting matter was a he said she said situation and the truth of the matter could not be known. Join us in this mission - donate today and make a difference! He tiptoed around that one too. 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. .. I did not find it at all graceful though and it felt more like he was wading through quicksand. Layoffs, Upheaval at Zacharias Ministry Roiled by Scandal. The death of the beloved always brings massive sadness, but the thought of them resting in . Your words give me hope that women will be treated well (treat older women as mothers, younger women as sisters) within the framework of the church, even if thats not the norm in the rest of the world. Ramsden has also told staff members he will not cover up evidence of Zachariass wrongdoing, according to notes from multiple meetings. After the latest accusations, it became harder to accept these explanations. But RZIM hasnt shown a commitment to truth and transparency for years. Each of the Ravi crises have reminded people of the previous crises and forced people to revisit them, Baker-Hytch said. Certainly Kepes, who wanted his loan repaid, would have extra incentive to make sure Naomi and Drew remained employed by RZIM. Some teammates have asked that RZIM put out a call for other victims to come forwardand promise safety to any who do. Memorized many of his jokes, quotes and even sermons. My Mom recently sent an email to some friends and family that is being circulated. CT has also reviewed more than a dozen internal documents and detailed notes of multiple meetings, which reveal growing frustration and escalating pressure as staff members attempted to force a full reckoning with what they see as an institutional failure. The idea of a 70 year-old "grooming" a middle-aged married woman is absurd. (Photo: Facebook/ravizacharias) 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. In a staff devotional meeting before Christmas, Margie ZachariasRavi's widow and the chief culture officer at RZIMassured everyone that the ministry's donors are "letting us know . While grateful that the ministry wont be issuing more sweeping denialsand that they wont be co-opted into statements dismissing allegations out of handthey are still pressuring RZIM to commit to corporate responsibility and serious institutional change. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. Zacharias died on May 19 at 74 following a battle with cancer. 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.". In his autobiography Ravi claims that he was chosen to preach at his graduation from the Ontario Bible College in April of 1972. But whats most concerning is that Miller & Martin promotes itself as an expert in crisis management. On its website, the firm states that its crisis management team aggressively pursues avoidance and helps limit the amount that a crisis damage(s) a clients brand.. Just appreciating your humble response PD7 which is beautiful to see. What a travesty and so sickening. Thank you for doing this incredibly distasteful and painful work. The efforts could lead to significant changes to the ministry, following the release of the full investigative report. Wheaton, Ill., 2014: Ravi Zacharias encourages students to . Please enable JavaScript in your web browser settings or white-list our domain "premierchristian.news" if you use any plug-ins to block JavaScript. How could he say he was a Oxford University professor when he was not. . What a stain on Christianity. Thank you. Margie Zacharias, is she in denial or protecting something else? 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. Here are a list of verses that ask us to expose darkness and those who exploit women and the vulnerable while parading as a saint. In this tiny planet we think we can micromanage our affairs! Yet, many credible allegations were raised about Zacharias when he was alive. I didnt bother to ask Lapp about the Zacharias family receiving more than $1 million or about Ravis $1.6 million rabbi trust and housing allowance. What I find interesting is they are all hiding their properties behind LLCs. And while in many ways he was, we are now learning he was a human with very real flaws.. Is she in denial or pretending not to kn. FILE - Images of Ravi Zacharias are displayed in the Passion City Church during a memorial . Today is both a vindication and a reminder to continue in our pursuit of truth, Summers said after the December 23 statement. RZIM could clearly condemn the misconduct and move forward. . Charismatics and word-faith preachers arent the only ones; theyre just the most obvious examples. 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. Gate Project LLC bought it in 2018, but not from Ravi. She responded that RZIM will not confirm their address and did not answer my question. Articles related to the Ravi Zacharias story. margie zacharias home. In this video, I share 3 THINGS . There have already been internal discussions about changing the name and rebranding. Moreover, Margaret has beautiful ocean-blue eyes and white hair. Ravi wished his wife a happy 48th anniversary on May 8, 2020, by posting on Instagram, '48 years ago she gave me her hand in marriage. Unresolved: Release in which this issue/RFE will be addressed. A man uses ESP to get a girl to become attracted to his . Malhotra responded that the trust is explained in Note 8 of the 2018 financial statement. 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". Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of "Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse" by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Margaret Reynolds was Ravi Zacharias' wife of 48 years. She's since asked me to post it here to ensure it's ongoing accuracy. 7). She also found cards that therapists had sent "thanking him for the blessing he was to them, for his encouragement to them, for leading them into a deeper walk with the Lord or being instrumental in bringing them to the Lord". After listing all she had found, she said: "All of this is to tell you what I did not find: no suspicious financial documents, no financial or real estate arrangements that I did not know about. Good am, Family. Its no wonder Lori Anne Thompson, and her husband, Brad, felt they couldnt approach RZIMs board in 2017 about Ravis alleged sexual predation. Margie says RZIM gave her 90 days notice to vacate her home. Tick this box to receive great Christian content from Premier and others, keep up to date and hear about ways you can support our work. RZIM has not earned credibility with victims, Weitnauer said. "He could never have kept a secret like they are alleging (alleging, I say, as there is not one whit of evidence to support what they are . 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. God bless. "I have written this because I feel it is important that you, his family, know what I know, know what I have found and not found, so that you may have confidence to continue to love and respect the man you knew, and that you may know that he was the man you knew. Jessica Lea August 12, 2022. (They were like me: if I had watched the video without Stackhouses perspective, I would have been impressed with what Ravi had said. Im praying for all involved as I am sure that many are hurting. Excellent post Julie. Lynsey Barron, the lead investigator, said the team has interviewed dozens of witnesses, including many massage therapists who have spoken candidly and with great detail. The investigators reported interviewing other sources confirming and corroborating allegations of sexual abuse as well. This was in addition to the $3.1 million Harvest paid MacDonald in private accounts over a three-year period, and the $1.2 million MacDonald received in deferred compensation. December 23, 2020. Its not irrelevant. "It is not because I am in denial. In an email to her extended family, Margie Zacharias defended her husband, saying that after . We value our integrity and have sacrificed to preserve it. Teammates pushing for a fuller reckoning at RZIM said they were quickly persuaded the investigation would be far-reaching and thorough. I think I, and others, without awareness, expected Ravi to be more than human, Davis wrote. He promoted unity with the WHORE of REVELATION, the Vatican that was his Greatest Sin.