'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
Darlington nurse describes brave stand for biological reality in US speech
Darlington nurse describes brave stand for biological reality in US speech

The NHS has been "ideologically captured" by transgenderism, nurse Bethany Hutchison said at an event on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

Scots families send clear signal to government over home education
Scots families send clear signal to government over home education

Proposals could disproportionately impact children with special needs or disabilities.

Is New Zealand experiencing its own 'Quiet Revival'?
Is New Zealand experiencing its own 'Quiet Revival'?

The so-called “Quiet Revival” report by the Bible Society noting an upsurge in Christianity among young people in the U.K. is also seen to an extent among young New Zealanders, according to a report by Baptists. 

Worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81
Worship leader Ron Kenoly dies at 81

Ron Kenoly, a pioneering Christian worship leader whose anthems helped shape modern praise music and whose ministry emphasized worship as service rather than performance, has died. He was 81.