Evangelical Association Urges Churches to Report Sexual Abuse Allegations to Police

The National Evangelical Association of Belize is calling on churches to take sexual abuse complaints seriously and report alleged crimes to police, following the remand of San Ignacio pastor Kevin Tzib on sexual offence charges. In a statement dated October 22, the association described the situation as alarming and urged churches to establish safeguards to prevent abuse. It said church leaders have a responsibility to act swiftly when complaints of sexual misconduct are brought to their attention.  The association also cited claims that complaints had been made to church leadership as far back as five years ago but were dismissed without action. It said, if confirmed, that would represent a major failure of leadership that allowed alleged abuse to continue. Those claims remain allegations.  NEAB urged anyone else who may have experienced abuse to report it directly to police, stressing that allegations involving criminal conduct require a criminal investigation and should not be reported only within the church.  The association says some of its leaders have already reached out to offer counselling to those affected. It also called on pastors and ministry leaders across Belize to review their procedures, identify weaknesses and strengthen protections within their congregations.  The statement was signed by NEAB President Reverend Santiago Valencia and the association’s national executive team. Tzib has pleaded not guilty, and the charges against him remain before the court.