“I sincerely apologize,” he said. “To those who have been victimized, deceived, or discouraged by these leaders, I am praying that God will bring supernatural healing and comfort in the way that only He can.”
“I also want to apologize for specific careless words I spoke when I said that people were ‘so foolish’ for ditching Mike ‘because you heard something from a friend,’” Chan added.
“When I said that, I had in mind common theological critiques and unverified criticisms. In light of everything that came out afterwards,” Chan explained, “I regret saying that, as I realize I could have discouraged people who had legitimate concerns or given the impression that silence is best when there is real abuse or unrepentant sin.”
Chan said he does not take his “words or responsibility as a Christian leader lightly.” He added, “I am striving by His grace to walk out my calling in integrity and the fear of the Lord.” Chan asked for prayer as he walks out the difficult tension of growing in his desire for unity and discernment. He concluded his statement asking readers to dwell on Psalm 103:10-13.
We Are Church Network Elders Say Francis Chan Had No ‘Knowledge of Hidden Moral Failure’ From Leaders He Endorsed
We Are Church network elders also released a statement acknowledging that Francis Chan “did not have knowledge of hidden moral failure at the time of his associations or endorsements.”
“Had credible information of that nature been known to him at that time, he would not have partnered with or endorsed these individuals in the way he did,” elders Kevin Kim, Rob Zabala, Sean Brakey, and Joe Moore said.
Chan launched We Are Church in January 2013. What started in his living room with no more than 20 people has blossomed into a global network of small, gospel-centered communities that aim to love and serve the people around them.
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“For those who have been personally harmed in these situations, we grieve with you. We wish we had seen deception earlier and been able to prevent some of the damage that occurred,” the elders said. “We also trust that the Lord is able to redeem even this. We pray that the Lord will comfort, draw close, and pour His goodness out over you in Jesus’ name.”
The elders shared that Chan met with them for prayer and discussion regarding recent criticisms that have been “brought up by various voices.”
After reading Chan’s apology, the elders stated that their “desire is not merely to defend a friend and fellow minister by providing context that the general public may not have, but to pursue greater holiness, humility, discernment, and unity in the body of Christ.”
Read Chan and the elders’ full statements here.
