The International Council of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) recently received the report of an Commission of Internal Inquiry (CII) installed to examine allegations concerning WEA leadership, governance, and accountability.
The inquiry was prompted by anonymous whistleblower reports circulated in Korean and some international christian media. While the IC remains cautious about acting on anonymous and unverifiable sources, it nevertheless established the Commission in the interest of transparency, accountability, and self-examination. All individuals named in the reports willingly cooperated with the inquiry and submitted written statements and documentation as requested.
The CII, composed of select members of the IC who were not named in the anonymous report as facing allegations,found no substantiated evidence of leadership, financial or moral misconduct and therefore no cause to escalate the inquiry. However, the review identified several areas requiring reform to strengthen governance and build confidence across the WEA global network.
The recommendations include:
- Enhancing the separation between governance and executive leadership, which will naturally proceed with the appointment of a new Secretary General in October 2025 with board and executive roles being separated.
- Improving financial transparency and consistency in reporting across all WEA-affiliated entities;though highlighted by the IC before , this remains a pending item and work in progress.
- Clarifying theological positions to address concerns related to ecumenical and interfaith engagement.
Summary of Key Findings:
- Governance and Constitutional Compliance:
The dual role of Dr. Goodwill Shana as Chair of the IC and interim Executive Chair (acting CEO) was recognized as an exception to best practices, but was occassioned by exigent circumstances and was formally and unanimously endorsed by the IC due to urgent leadership and financial challenges. Oversight mechanisms were put in place to mitigate risks.This duality will cease once a Chief Executive is in place. - Financial Oversight:
The CII found no documentary evidence supporting claims of centralized financial control by Dr. Shana, irregularities in Ukraine-related fund disbursements, or systemic failures in consolidated reporting within the WEA structure. - Theological and Doctrinal Integrity:
Although some voices—particularly in Korea—raised concerns about theological ambiguity, the inquiry received multiple affirmations of adherence to historic evangelical doctrine. Dr. Shana expressly denied any affiliation with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and provided the relevant statements of faith in response. - Moral and Ethical Integrity:
Allegations touching on personal life, including marital status and relationships, were carefully investigated. No evidence of moral or ethical misconduct was found. In a few cases where aspects of allegations contained what appeared to be elements of truth, contextual clarification was provided and accepted.
As a global alliance representing a theologically diverse evangelical community, the WEA reaffirms its commitment to Biblical integrity, clarity, and trustworthiness. The IC is committed to take action to implement the CII’s recommendations, ensuring the WEA continues to serve its global constituency with faithfulness, transparency, and accountability.
Speaking on his behalf as well as that of the International Council, the Executive Chair of the WEA , Dr Goodwill Shana said “I pray that the conclusion and tabling of this report will confirm, affirm and strengthen confidence and trust in WEA’s system of governance, its leadership, its theological and moral integrity and will restore these elements and relationships that may have been diminished or devalued within the WEA membership and its stakeholders.”
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