The Duggar family from "Counting On" are known for their Christian views and values, but because of their fame, controversy still lurks in every corner.
One of the things that the family has been criticised for is their close friendship with Bill Gothard, the leader of the Institute in Basic Life Principles. Gothard, now 81, has been slapped with several complaints of sexual abuse and harassment, according to Christianity Today. However, he has vehemently denied all the accusations.
Now, Duggar cousin Amy Duggar King has spoken against Gothard in a tweet (@amyduggar).
"I have to be honest, and true to myself by tweeting this. I do not support Bill Gothard and the Institute of Biblical [sic] Life Principles in any way, shape, or form. I find his 'teachings' extremely questionable," she wrote. "I am a Christian. I believe in God's good Grace and freedom to be ourselves! God gave us emotions, personalities, and He wants us to live our best life. Legalism is the opposite of what my Bible teaches."
Her post generated wide support, but a fan asked Amy what compelled her to speak against Gothard now. "Although I am extremely happy to hear anyone speak out against his so called 'teachings,' is there a specific reason for posting this now?" a woman wrote.
Amy responded: "I receive so many emails, Dm's asking if I follow his so called 'principles.' I just wanted to clear the air."
It was the Washington Post that first reported allegations that Gothard sexually molested around 30 women, including minors, at work. This prompted Gothard to resign from his position in 2014.
"God is my witness that I have never kissed a girl, nor touched any young lady in a sensual way." Gothard spoke out against his accusations, adding that he never once acted out of "sensual love."
However, he was quick to admit that he failed to demonstrate "godly love" towards his accusers. For that, he would like to apologise.
"I cannot undo my offenses. I can only humbly and sincerely ask each one of you whom I have offended to forgive me for my failure to demonstrate the love of Christ to you. I can also dedicate the rest of my life to living out genuine love and encouraging as many others as possible to do the same. I have now made this my life goal," he said.
