The founder of the Kansas City-based International House of Prayer admitted to “improper conduct” and “moral lapses” following explosive sexual misconduct allegations against the spiritual leader.
Mike Bickle addressed the scandal in a vague and rambling statement Tuesday in which he acknowledged “past sin” but denied “the more intense sexual activity that some have suggested.”
“I am sad that my past sins have caused great pain to my wife and family along with the IHOPKC family, and others,” wrote Bickle, who founded the evangelical mission organization in 1999.
“I am deeply sorry that my sin put the IHOPKC leadership and community in a very painful and difficult position. I apologize to my family,” he added. “I now ask for forgiveness from the IHOPKC family and in the body of Christ.”
Leadership told organization members at an October meeting that Bickle faces allegations of misconduct, though details were not disclosed, the Kansas City Star reported.
Three former IHOPKC leaders said in a subsequent statement that the allegations involved sexual abuse by Bickle, according to the newspaper.
Mike Bickle, founder of the Kansas City International House of Prayer. International House of Prayer
The former leader said they informed the IHOPKC leadership and the former leader found “these allegations of priest sexual abuse by Mike Bickle to be credible and have been around for a long time.”
Bickle said he is addressing the allegations 20 years after they apparently happened because he recently confronted them. He appealed to members to pray for him and his family.
“I ask my family and friends not to defend me,” he said in his long statement. “I have confidence that God will speak about what He sees and says about me in His time.
A firm has been hired to investigate the allegations. International House of Prayer
“Please do not engage in debates on social media to defend me and please do not criticize those who voice their contempt for me.”
The house of worship hired a third-party firm to investigate the allegations against Bickle, leaders told congregants Sunday morning, the Kansas City Star reported.
The move was announced by IHOPKC Executive Director Stuart Greaves and its new spokesman Eric Volz. Leaders have vowed the investigation will be independent.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
