There have been too many accusations.
Renowned attorney and grandson of Billy Graham, Boz Tchividjian, has unequivocally called for the permanent closure of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOPKC) following disturbing allegations of sexual abuse leveled against its founder, Mike Bickle. The latest accusation, brought forth by a third woman identified as Tammy Woods, alleges that she was groomed and sexually abused by Bickle during the 1980s when she was only 14 years old.
Expressing a sense of urgency, Tchividjian, through a statement issued by his law firm, BozLaw P.A., emphasized the imperative need to shutter IHOPKC’s doors for good. He advocated for the allocation of remaining funds towards a restitution fund for the victims whose lives have been shattered by the purportedly devout institution, which claims to be dedicated to perpetual prayer and devotion to Jesus.
Woods bravely stepped forward, using her maiden name, to disclose her harrowing experiences with Bickle, alleging instances of sexual abuse in various locations, including his car, her home, the church, and his office. She recounted how the abuse commenced during her tenure as a babysitter for Bickle’s children, involving intimate physical contact, although stopping short of intercourse. Shockingly, Bickle allegedly made disturbing predictions about his wife’s premature death and suggested Woods could fill the role of a mother to his children.
These revelations surface in the wake of an independent report released by attorney Rosalee McNamara, wherein Bickle admitted to engaging in inappropriate conduct with individuals associated with IHOPKC. While the report acknowledged Bickle’s confession and corroborated accounts, it failed to fully capture the extent of the trauma inflicted upon victims like Woods.
In response to the escalating outcry, IHOPKC publicly denounced Bickle’s actions as abhorrent and offered apologies for mishandling the investigation into the allegations. Acknowledging their failures in communication and oversight, IHOPKC expressed regret for permitting Bickle to preach and for any pain caused to the community.
Amidst conflicting narratives and attempts to discredit accusers, Dwayne Roberts, a member of the advocate group seeking accountability, reiterated the urgency of exposing Bickle’s transgressions and ensuring justice for survivors. Roberts emphasized the necessity of issuing a unified statement condemning Bickle’s actions and dismantling his influence, rejecting any misconceptions about the group’s intentions.
As the calls for accountability intensify, the saga surrounding IHOPKC serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of unchecked abuse within religious institutions and the imperative of holding perpetrators accountable to prevent further harm.