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World News

RZIM announces plan to change name and remove all content referring to Ravi Zacharias

by Cara Bentley

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has announced it will be changing its name and removing all Zacharias’ content.

The revelation of years of sexual abuse conducted by international Christian evangelist Ravi Zacharias has led to widespread shock and discussions about how such abuse could go on unnoticed or unreported and what should be done with the apologetics organisations named after him.

CEO of RZIM and Ravi Zacharias’ daughter, Sarah Davis, confirmed in a statement: “We are in the process of taking down Ravi’s content from our website and social media platforms, including publications, videos, and other forms of content, and we intend to change the name of the organization. Effective immediately, we are also discontinuing the use of ‘The Zacharias Institute’ brand.”

The UK branch, The Zacharias Trust, which operates the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA) theological training centre, has already announced that it will be changing its name and severing all ties with the global ministry brand.

In Davis’ statement, she began: “We continue to grieve deeply for the victims who have been treated in ways that are completely antithetical to the gospel. We also painfully and increasingly recognize organizational failures that have occurred and the repentance that needs to take place in both heart and action. This is the first of periodic updates that we plan to release in order to share with you the steps we are taking as we seek to walk a path of repentance, restitution, learning, and serving.” She added that a key priority is to undergo a thorough and independent assessment from the management consulting firm Guidepost Solutions.”

Guidepost Solutions have already started evaluating RZIM’s structures, culture, policies, processes, finances and practices, including the handling of any former abuse allegations.

It is expected to last for several months.

Davis said in the meantime: “Our top priority right now is the process of care, justice, and restitution for all who have been victimized by Ravi’s abuse. Rachael Denhollander has been retained to serve as a confidential liaison with survivors and to help guide this process.

RZIM is encouraging anyone with complaints about the organisation or information about abuse to get in contact.

“We are in the process of taking down Ravi’s content from our website and social media platforms, including publications, videos, and other forms of content, and we intend to change the name of the organization. Effective immediately, we are also discontinuing the use of “The Zacharias Institute” brand,” Davis explained.

“Out of respect for anyone who resigned from RZIM for reasons of conscience during the Miller & Martin investigation, we will be offering to them the same severance that we are currently offering to those who take voluntary redundancy.

“For now, we anticipate that significant lessons will be learned in all areas of the ministry and are grateful for all who have helped us to begin this process. We are praying for the courage to pursue repentance and to have learners’ hearts, and we are trusting in God’s guidance in the days ahead.”

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