The boards of RZIM Singapore and RZIM Hong Kong released a joint statement today (March 22) that they will “explore the possibility of restructuring and launching an apologetics ministry with a newly defined focus for our team in Asia, under a new name and a newly constituted board”.

Even as the boards acknowledged “the difficult but necessary decision made by Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) US to cease its work as an apologetics ministry and to transition into a grant-making entity”, RZIM Asia-Pacific said they would now “enter a period of reflection and review, seeking to discern God’s heart for the future of proclaiming and defending the Gospel in the Asia-Pacific”.

The RZIM Asia-Pacific statement added that the ministry is “committed to learning from the past and seeking direction from the Lord on our path forward”.

“It is our desire to continue to engage both the believer and the sceptic’s heartfelt questions about the Christian faith, as well as share the hope of the Gospel within an Asian context.”

All operations under the current name RZIM Asia-Pacific, overseen by its Hong Kong and Singapore boards, is in the process of winding up, according to the statement.

A spokesperson from RZIM Asia-Pacific, which has a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and China, told Salt&Light: “As we wind down RZIM’s operations in Asia, we recognise the continuing need for apologetics-driven evangelism, both in the context of live speaking and digital engagement. Our hope is that – God-willing – we will be able to meet some of that need going forward. 

“We have seen the power of how God can use apologetics-driven evangelism and discipleship. We accept this Biblical mandate God has given all Christians and so we seek to do His will in His way.” 

Meanwhile, the website of RZIM Asia-Pacific bears a different look and will no longer be posting content on its social media accounts.  

RZIM Asia-Pacific said it will have more clarity on the details and launch of its new project in the coming months.

International offices evaluating decisions

Last month, the International Board of Directors of RZIM released a full investigative report compiled by independent investigative firm, Miller & Martin PLLC, that confirmed allegations against RZIM’s founding apologist dating back to 2004. The report uncovered evidence of abuse continuing up until a few months before Ravi Zacharias’ death from sarcoma in May 2020.

On March 10, RZIM in the United States said it would be ceasing its apologetics work altogether, adding that they continue to grieve deeply for the victims who have been treated in ways that are completely antithetical to the Gospel. 

RZIM’s 12 offices around the world are in the process of evaluating decisions about the future.  

RZIM Canada is closing down. The ministries in the UK and Latin America have each announced their plans to separate and establish independent apologetics organisations. 

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