Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias, who died of cancer earlier this year, was found responsible for involvement in sexual misconduct against several women after an investigation conducted by his former ministry.
Zacarias was accused after his death in May of sexually harassing women in spas for several years. Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) released the provisional findings of an independent investigation on Wednesday, after originally denying the allegations.
“Unfortunately, the update to the interim investigation indicates that this assessment of Ravi’s behavior is true – that he was actually involved in sexual misconduct,” wrote the RZIM board of directors in a statement. “This misconduct is deeply disturbing and totally inconsistent with the man that Ravi Zacharias has publicly and privately introduced to so many people over more than four decades of public ministry.”
“We are heartbroken to learn this, but we feel it is necessary to be transparent and inform our team, donors and supporters at this time, even as the investigation continues. We are devastated by those who suffered from Ravi’s misconduct and the pain they are suffering, ”continues the statement.
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries released the preliminary results of the independent investigation into Zacharias’ alleged sexual misconduct. The conclusion is painful and infuriating. https://t.co/kcUT37MFQW pic.twitter.com/40TIRR963a
– David French (@DavidAFrench) December 23, 2020
The RZIM board said it expects a full report by the beginning of 2021 and will “speak more broadly” at the conclusion of the investigation. Zacarias was also accused in 2017 of having an affair with a married woman and of exaggerating his academic credentials. (RELATED: Famous Christian apologist refutes allegations of sexting and allegations of fraud)
Sarah Davis, CEO of RZIM and daughter of Zacharias, wrote that the ministry suffers “deeply from those who suffered from Ravi’s sexual misconduct”, asking RZIM employees to pray for the victims, Christianity Today reported.
“We know that this news will lead us, and thousands of others, to sadness, confusion, disappointment and anger. We know that you will have many questions, as will all of us, ”wrote Davis.