Ravi Zacharias International Ministry has announced big changes to its operations, including laying off more than half its staff and relaunching the organization to support abuse victims.

The leadership of the organization made the announcement in an email obtained by Religion News Service, Charisma News reports.

In the Mar. 10 email, CEO Sarah Davis tells staff that RZIM cannot and should not continue to "operate as an organization in its present form.

"Nor do we believe we can merely rename the organization and move forward with 'business as usual.' That, we are convinced, is not right for numerous reasons."

The email also reveals RZIM has lost significant financial support since the findings of the investigation into allegations of misconduct Ravi Zacharias revealed a pattern of abusive behaviour by Zacharias, who died of cancer in May 2020.

The RZIM board decided to stop accepting donations after the release of the report and hired and independent organization to investigate the ministry's culture.

Previously, it was announced a name change for the organization and shared information for victims of abuse to contact to report their stories.

The ministry's new plans include a transition from a global evangelical and apology team to a grant-making organization. The organization will continue to support evangelism in this way, as well as the prevention of sexual abuse and caring for individuals who have been victims of sexual abuse.

About 60 per cent of the organization's global staff will be laid off immediately due to the new focus of the ministry and its decline in donations.

Davis, the daughter of the late Zacharias, told staff that those affected will be offered the "same financial consideration as those who participated in the voluntary redundancy in recent weeks.

"No employee will be asked to sign an NDA, and we encourage any of you to reach out to Guidepost with any information you may have that may be helpful in the review, regardless of your status with RZIM in the coming weeks."