Change of mission for RZIM after Ravi Zacharias abuse report

The mission of RZIM is undergoing a major overhaul after the ministry was rocked by revelations of sexual misconduct by its late founder and namesake Ravi Zacharias.

Sarah Davis, his eldest daughter and RZIM CEO, said in an email to supporters that the organization will become a grant-making institution with a focus on two areas of work: preaching the Gospel and preventing sexual abuse and providing care for its victims, Religion News Service reports. 

It will also lay off around 60 per cent of staff. Staff being made redundant are to receive severance pay and will not have to sign non-disclosure agreements.

"RZIM cannot — indeed should not — continue to operate as an organization in its present form," said Davis.

"Nor do we believe we can merely rename the organization and move forward with 'business as usual.'"

Davis anticipates the transition will take around four to six months. She confirmed that it would be accompanied by "leadership changes". 

RZIM has already confirmed that it will be changing its name in the wake of the revelations, revealed last month in an independent report by law firm Miller and Martin, and Zacharias' teaching videos have been scrubbed from RZIM's website and social media platforms too.

The report has had huge ramifications for the ministry's global network, with the UK division voting to break away from the US organization over its handling of the scandal, and RZIM Canada shuttering for good. 

Announcing its closure, RZIM Canada said it was "not possible" to continue operating in light of the abuse. 

News
New ‘Tyndale Trail’ launched to mark 500 years of English New Testament
New ‘Tyndale Trail’ launched to mark 500 years of English New Testament

A new long-distance walking route tracing the life of Bible translator William Tyndale has been launched in south-west England, as part of commemorations marking 500 years since his groundbreaking English New Testament.

Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce

In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.

Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth

It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".

Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice

Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.