Mike Bickle, accused of sexual abuse, confesses to 'inappropriate behavior'
Mike Bickle (gospelmais.com)
Mike Bickle, a 68-year-old founder of the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC), has acknowledged engaging in "inappropriate behavior" and experiencing "moral failures" more than two decades ago. However, he denies the recent claims of sexual abuse, Christianity Today reports.
Addressing the allegations publicly for the first time on Tuesday, Bickle expressed remorse for his "past sins" and apologized for the impact on his family and ministry.
"I sadly admit that 20+ years ago, I sinned by engaging in inappropriate behavior — my moral failures were real,” Bickle said in a statement published on his Facebook, adding, “I am not admitting to the more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting.”
Allegations of sexual abuse
According to The Christian Post, Bickle's statement comes after a woman, Jane Doe, said that between 1996 and 1999, he financed her place, provided access to his office, and participated in all intimate activities with her except for intercourse. According to her, the IHOPKC founder used Scripture to court her when she was 19, while he was 42, eventually keeping her as a companion during the initial years of building his currently well-known ministry.
Other victims
The IHOPKC leaders note that they identified five out of the eight women mentioned in the complaint as purported victims of Bickle. Three of the women identified as victims dismissed the accusations as falsehoods. One of the alleged victims declined to contact the ministry's attorneys. Only Jane Doe's report was considered credible.
Bickle has been on leave from the ministry since October 26 while IHOPKC leaders investigated the allegations.
