Bringing Up Bates star Gil Bates is getting a lot of attention following the recent hospitalization of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) founder, Bill Gothard. Gil is among the high-ranking members of the organization, serving on the board of directors for years. Many of his kids remain active in the church as well, and most of them still follow the ultra-conservative lifestyle. However, some fans think Gil might take a much bigger role soon. Keep reading to see the discussion.
‘Bringing Up Bates‘: What Happened To Bill Gothard?
The Christian Post reported that Gothard suffered a heart attack and is now in a coma. The news caught many off-guard. Some were even skeptical about it and asked if it was true. But the Facebook page administrator who shared the article responded by saying, “Yes, it is true. Pray.”
At this point, the IBLP has yet to release an official statement about Gothard’s condition. Gothard has been through many controversies over the years, including allegations of harassment, sexual misconduct, and covering up abusers. In 2016, a woman claimed that Gothard raped her when she was a teen. Multiple documentaries were also released, making shocking claims about the dark secrets of Gothard and the IBLP. But despite all of the allegations, Gothard was never charged with any crimes.
Will Gil Become The Successor?
Some Bringing Up Bates fans on social media discussed the possibility of Gil becoming Gothard’s successor. Even though Gothard is still alive, many people can’t help but wonder who will step up as the next leader of the IBLP. It’s no secret that Gil is one of the biggest personalities in the organization, and many believe he’s fit for the role. However, others pointed out that Gothard had already been removed from the IBLP, and the organization’s leadership won’t change, whatever happens to him. It was revealed that Dr. Tim Levendusky now leads the IBLP after the resignation of Gothard in 2014. Here are some of the comments from fans regarding Gothard’s hospitalization.
- “Technically Bill Gothard was already removed from IBLP. He’s not currently in charge. So I imagine leadership in the organisation probably won’t change based on his passing. Honestly I think as the people running things now die off, IBLP will fade into obscurity. There will still be fundamentalist Christian’s, but that particular cult is no longer super relevant.”
- “I pray the memory of this group is completely wiped from the earth! They’ve done enough damage.”
- “Once he’s gone, I bet his “good name” will become even dirtier.”
- “i hope his passing provides alot of people with courage to speak about all the shit he has put them and others through.”
- “Copying my comment from another sub- The president of IBLP is Dr. Tim Levendusky (married with *gasp* “only” one child) and he’s been there since Gothard was removed in 2014. I wish that IBLP had gone away with Gothard.”
What do you think about Gothard’s situation?
