The leadership of IHOPKC issued a new statement this morning about the sexual assault allegations against Mike Bickle, saying that at least one of the claims from 26 years ago has “some credibility “while urging people to have patience with them as they sort it all out.
IHOPKC Executive Director Stuart Greaves, speaking at Forerunner’s Church, announced:
“Our executive leadership team and Mike Bickle agree that out of the best interests and integrity of IHOPKC, Mike will step away from public ministry for an indefinite time. up to and including and until we complete a thorough examination of the allegations and inquiry of the circumstances.
Mike has agreed to not engage in public ministry, our platform, attend our prayer room, nor engage in social media messaging.
As previously disclosed, there have been several allegations raised and we are taking this process very seriously. Firstly, to the women who have anonymously communicated allegations, we want to say that we value you and we pray you feel safe to come forward.
We have received a mix of artificial deadlines and ultimatums that have not been helpful as we seek the truth.
Regarding the allegations, so far there has been one allegation from 26 years ago that has some credibility. There are other allegations that have been more difficult to ascertain due in part to the fact that they are either anonymous or represented by third parties. Some of the alleged events predate the founding of IHOPKC.
Additionally, some of the women that were named in the allegations have publicly refuted that they were ever victims of abuse, and even denounced the representatives of the alleged victim group for using their names without permission.
But due to the variety of the nature of the allegations and our desire that all women involved would be well and fairly represented in this process, we have decided to bring an outside law firm in accordance with the best practices for evaluating accusations like these, the ELT has retained a national law firm Stinson LLP, to conduct an impartial examination of these allegations, with the goal of assessing their merit and advising the ELT regarding appropriate steps to take.
To be done with proper thoroughness and deliberation, this work will start immediately, but it will take time to complete. When this examination is completed, and based upon the findings, we will be able to determine what next steps should be taken towards healing.
As this continues to unfold, we want to be clear that our leadership team is open and not in any way opposed to getting even more additional outside independent help in the future.
We are starting first with this step to help initially assess the situation but plan to continue to pursue the truth with integrity guided by care for the alleged victims.
,See the full statement below:
