End of the road for RZIM Canada after devastating Ravi Zacharias report

Ravi Zacharias died of cancer before the independent investigation into his sexual misconduct.

RZIM Canada is to begin "winding down" operations following a devastating report that laid bare historic sexual misconduct by late founder Ravi Zacharias. 

The board of RZIM Canada said the findings - which included 200 photos of women on his devices and allegations of rape - had filled them "with desolation and grief." 

"We grieve for all the victims. No words are adequate or even appropriate, yet we must somehow find words. Their stories must be heard and heeded. We pray for healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation," it said.

The decision to shutter the Canada branch follows its announcement last month that it would not receive any donations while the board sought God's direction for the ministry.

Announcing RZIM Canada's closure on Thursday, the board said: "We recognize the ongoing need for an apologetics-based approach to evangelism.

"Regrettably, we are of the conviction that it is not possible for RZIM Canada to fulfill this mandate within the current environment.

"Therefore, it is with heaviness of heart and after much prayerful consideration that we are compelled to begin winding down the operations of RZIM Canada.

"Our hearts go out to the countless people around the world who responded to Ravi's apologetic ministry and who are now at risk of rejecting the message on account of the messenger. We take hope that truth prevails even in a fallen world.

"We ask that you continue to join us in fervent prayer."

The findings of the report by law firm Miller and Martin have rocked the evangelical world, with his own denomination, the Christian and Missionary Alliance posthumously revoking his ordination and expelling him from the body. 

Last week, the Zacharias Trust - the UK division of RZIM - announced that it is to split from the global ministry and commence operations under a new name.

"The UK Board has therefore taken the unanimous decision to make a clear separation from the global RZIM organisation," it said.

"In governance terms the UK entity has always been a separate charity with independent trustees, but in the current circumstances we believe that we must now operate without any link to RZIM US. The UK entity will also choose a new name.

"This process will take time to complete but the UK Board is convinced that this is the best and only way to ensure that the ministry can continue to serve the UK church with integrity.

"This will also give us the opportunity to review the lessons to be learned from these awful events." 

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.