Former RZIM director Carson Weitnauer also took to Twitter to cast doubt on Encounter’s originality: “The ‘new’ ministry is: 1. Led by the former CEO of RZIM 2. Features only former RZIM speakers 3. Will enjoy the offices in RZIM’s building 4. Is likely funded by RZIM’s donors,” he writes. “If it walks like a duck, acts like a duck, and quacks like a duck, but wants to be called a chicken, what is it? It is a duck. The new name and the new legal structure do not change that this organization is effectively RZIM.”
Weitnauer, who resigned in January 2021 to protest how RZIM was handling the abuse scandal, adds, “I’m also disappointed that Sarah believes herself to be a credible and trusted leader of an apologetics organization. Under her leadership, RZIM mismanaged finances, concealed sexual abuse, retaliated against employees, etc., etc., etc. … she is disqualified for this role.”
ChurchLeaders reached out to RZIM and Davis for comment but hasn’t received a reply at the time of publication.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with a statement from Sarah Davis.
