The federal lawsuit—which was filed by Zacharias, not the couple—alleged that his “friendly correspondence” with the wife evolved over the course of 2016 to her sending him “unwanted, offensive, sexually explicit language and photographs.” In April 2017, the couple sent a letter through their attorney demanding millions of dollars in exchange for keeping the messages a secret.
“In the alternative of protracted and public litigation, [the couple] will sign a release of you and your church and ministry in exchange for a certified check in the amount of $5 million,” stated the letter from the Bryant Law Firm.
Zacharias said he immediately informed RZIM’s governance committee of the situation and sought legal counsel.
Zacharias claims he was set up.
“Let me state categorically that I never met this woman alone, publicly or privately,” said Zacharias in Sunday’s statement. “The question is not whether I solicited or sent any illicit photos or messages to another woman—I did not, and there is no evidence to the contrary—but rather, whether I should have been a willing participant in any extended communication with a woman not my wife.
After looking at the message exchanges, does it seem to you that he was set up? Does it seem to you that the photographs were unsolicited? Does it seem that Zacharias’ explanation fits with what you see in the exchanges?
[Editor’s Note: HT Spiritual Sounding Board]
