Richmond, Va. | Two “thorough, outside, independent” investigations have been initiated by International Mission Board President David Platt into the IMB’s handling of any past sexual abuse allegations and into its policies of zero tolerance for such abuse.
Platt also stated a public apology to Anne Marie Miller, who has alleged sexual abuse by an individual who subsequently became an IMB missionary yet was not reported to authorities following a 2007 IMB inquiry.
“Many facets of this situation are extremely disturbing,” Platt said of charges filed against Mark Aderholt for sexual assault of a child under 17 stemming from a 1996-1997 relationship when he was 25, and of the 2007 IMB investigation. Aderholt was arrested July 3 and released on bond.
Platt apologized to Miller and thanked her for her courage. “I realize the actions I have outlined above cannot remove her hurt and pain, or the hurt and pain of others who have experienced similar situations,” he said. “But I am committed to doing all that I can so that her courage, and the courage of others like her, will prevent hurt and pain among others in the future.”