'Tough questions' for 'charisma cult' after Ravi Zacharias scandal

Ravi Zacharias died in May 2020 from cancer before the publication of the Miller and Martin report (Passion Conference/Phil Sanders)

Theologian Dr Dave Benson says reparations must be made to the victims of Ravi Zacharias. 

As the global Christian community continues to come to terms with the late apologist's sexual misconduct, Dr Benson said that care and justice for survivors needed to be the "first priority". 

Dr Benson, Director of Culture and Discipleship at the LICC, said: "We must face tough questions on the charisma cult, wilful blindness to narcissistic leadership, lack of accountability, and defensive posturing making people deaf to those who spoke truth."

He called Zacharias a "ferocious wolf in sheep's clothing" who showed "no evidence of deep repetance" or "rethinking his way". 

"Courageous women calling out horrors should have been heard. Sin must be exposed," he said.

"Concern for reputational damage, while effectively sheltering a predator and silencing victims, is evil.

"It's diametrically opposed to what we preach, and rightly condemned. God detests these crimes, and acts swiftly when the oppressed cry. So must we." 

An independent report by Miller and Martin uncovered evidence of text and email-based relationships with women who were not Zacharias' wife, as well as over 200 selfie-style photographs of women on his electronic devices.

The report also contained witness statements from numerous massage therapists who described inappropriate requests and touching, as well as one allegation of rape.

The evidence corroborated the allegations of Canadian woman Lori Anne Thompson who claimed Zacharias had initiated an online relationship with her and solicited nude photos. At the time, Zacharias accused her of trying to blackmail him. 

RZIM has promised change at the global organization and survivor care in the wake of the findings. 

News
Palm Sunday: the triumphal entry and its meaning for us today
Palm Sunday: the triumphal entry and its meaning for us today

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred week in the Christian calendar.

The backstory to Palm Sunday most evangelicals miss
The backstory to Palm Sunday most evangelicals miss

29 March is Palm Sunday, or the sixth Sunday in Lent, which kicks off Holy Week. The events of this day echo a historical episode from Jewish history which most evangelicals miss. This is the story …

Iraqi Christians told to cancel Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations
Iraqi Christians told to cancel Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations

The Palm Sunday celebrations in Northern Iraq usually are big celebrations to commemorate Jesus entering Jerusalem.

Historic England grants £1m to renovate three churches
Historic England grants £1m to renovate three churches

Funding has also been provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.