This week in Christian history: Bill Gothard resigns, Navigators founded, Pierre Viret appointed pastor
Bill Gothard resigns — March 6, 2014
This week marks the anniversary of when Bill Gothard, the founder of the Institute in Basic Life Principles, resigned from his leadership role with the group amid accusations of sexual harassment.
Gothard was an influential Christian educational figure, with his conservative theological views on family values influencing many, including the Duggar family of "19 Kids & Counting” fame.
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However, the month before, Gothard had been placed on administrative leave amid reports that he allegedly abused dozens of female employees and failed to report child abuse allegations.
“Mr. Gothard communicated to the Board of Directors his desire to follow Matthew 5:23-24 and listen to those who have ‘ought against’ him,” wrote David Waller, the administrative director for IBLP’s Advanced Training Institute in the email.
“To give his full attention to this objective, Mr. Gothard resigned as president of the Institute in Basic Life Principles, its Board of Directors, and its affiliated entities. The Board of Directors expects to appoint [an] interim leadership for IBLP in the very near future.”
Gothard and his organization would later be the focus of an Amazon documentary series titled "Shiny, Happy, People,” which centered on the scandals behind the Duggar family.
