LTRP Note: The following is posted for informational purposes and as a follow up to a previous article we posted and is not meant as an endorsement for the source, Christianity Today. The article we previously posted is “Bill Gothard Resigns from Institute in Basic Life Principles Under Allegations of Sexual Abuse (And How to Spot the Signs of a Sexual Predator).”
By Ruth Moon
Christianity Today
A board investigation into allegations that Bill Gothard sexually harassed teen girls has concluded that the popular seminar speaker acted inappropriately but not criminally.
CT reported in March how Gothard resigned as president of his Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) after his board began investigating sexual harassment accusations from more than 30 women. IBLP said the 79-year-old, who drew 2.5 million people to his family-focused Basic Seminars but never married, explained that he “wanted to follow Matthew 5:23–24 and listen to those who have ‘ought against’ him.”
In a statement released Tuesday (full text below), the IBLP board of directors said that Gothard’s “shortcomings” do not discredit his past teaching but will prevent him from working for IBLP in a counseling, leadership, or board role “at this time.” According to the statement:
At this point, based upon those willing to be interviewed, no criminal activity has been discovered. If it had been, it would have been reported to the proper authorities immediately, as it will be in the future if any such activity is revealed.
However, the review showed that Mr. Gothard has acted in an inappropriate manner, and the Board realizes the seriousness of his lack of discretion and failure to follow Christ’s example of being blameless and above reproach. Click here to continue reading.
