By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Church Senator Louis Wade is calling on churches across Belize to take allegations of abuse seriously and report them to police.
Speaking on the charges against Pastor Kevin Tzib, Wade said that, based on what police have disclosed, these appear to be the worst allegations he has heard against a church leader in all his years of pastoring.
He said every church needs a clear protocol for handling allegations, one that is fair to both the person making the report and the person accused. And when a national law may have been broken, he said, the matter must go to the police.
Wade said he sees a pattern in independent churches that lack oversight, where no one is above the pastor to hold them accountable.
Dunamis Ministries issued a statement saying it does not intend to prejudge the matter or comment on guilt or innocence, which it said is for the court to decide.
Wade said that response is not adequate, noting the complainants say they had been trying to get the attention of church leadership for four years.
He said it appears systems meant to protect victims were instead used to protect the alleged perpetrator.
Tzib, who has pleaded not guilty, is due back in court on November 21.
Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse is encouraged to contact the police or a trusted support organization.
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