Dear IHOPKC community,
We’d like to share a few important updates and responses to frequently asked questions.
Please take time to carefully read and understand the following text.
1) IHOPKC has contacted and is in communication with multiple third parties about conducting
an independent examination of the allegations presented by the Complaint Group, as well as a
review of IHOPKC’s Report on Initial Findings.
These third parties include national Christian leaders, journalists, and investigative firms who
were involved in #MeToo and investigated the SBC and RZIM.
There has been unfounded suspicion and sowed fear around IHOPKC’s choice to utilize law
firms to conduct the initial examination of the allegations. However, law firms are routinely
involved in the investigation of sexual abuse in accordance with due process – a fundamental
part of the justice system and a basic right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Without due process, complaints are taken at face-value, evidence is not required, proceedings
are unfair, and there is no accountability.
In this case, the disregard for due process by the Complaint Group that presented the
allegations against Mike Bickle and the fact that a potential crime has been alleged,
necessitated the use of law firms who understand and will operate within the confines of the
constitutional due process right. In addition to understanding due process, the law firms
IHOPKC chose are very experienced in representing victims of sexual abuse, including victims
of clergy abuse and victims in the Boy Scouts of America.
Simply put: IHOPKC takes this situation very seriously and has been adhering to due process to
verify the allegations presented to it, and unless/until IHOPKC is able to verify these allegations,
it cannot move forward with an investigation.
If IHOPKC is presented with first-hand evidence of sexual abuse by Mr. Bickle, it will
immediately take the necessary subsequent steps.
2) The Report on Initial Findings is precisely that – an initial assessment. It is NOT an exoneration of Mr. Bickle.
The Report stated very clearly that IHOPKC’s attorneys had limited information and would not
be able to perform any further investigation until it could interview witnesses with first-hand
information, or until the Complaint Group was willing to present evidence or any details about
the anonymous Jane Does. Our leadership team was presented with allegations in the form of
stories told by third persons. With the exception of one victim statement regarding allegations
from 20+ years ago that was read out loud by a husband, the group did not present any first-
hand information or evidence to substantiate the stories. We have repeatedly asked the
Complaint Group to come forward with evidence. We have also called on any alleged victims to
come forward either directly or via a legal representative.
3) The events of the past four weeks undeniably constitute a crisis. Every facet of the
organization has been impacted and strained in the last few weeks. We are grateful to the
incredible men and women who have been working around the clock and we look forward
to announcing several new protocols and organizational changes in the near future.
4) IHOPKC has sought great care and prudence in its approach to this entire matter. Our ELT is
doing its best to walk this out based in Biblical principles, while grounded in facts and legal
parameters. In the span of four weeks, IHOPKC has only issued a few public statements and
published one initial report. We acknowledge that this may have created an information vacuum,
leading our community to grapple with hearsay, rumors, and vague claims circulating online.
Moving forward, we aim to provide more frequent updates and address the frequently asked
questions from our community.
Thank you for your patience and prayers.
ELT – IHOPKC