Update: On September 30, 2025, federal authorities - namely United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Attorney's Office - formally declined to bring any charges following their investigation into Olivet University.
This investigation was never connected to World Olivet Assembly or to Rev. Mark Spisak from the outset, despite claims made in an article published by Newsweek on December 20, 2022.
The same investigation referenced in the Newsweek article was used to suggest a connection to Rev. Mark Spisak and World Olivet Assembly. However, as reported by The Christian Post, the investigation concluded without any charges, and no findings supported those allegations.
Furthermore, during the entire period between the publication of the Newsweek article on December 20, 2022, and the announcement on September 30, 2025 that federal authorities would not file charges against Olivet University, neither World Olivet Assembly nor Rev. Mark Spisak were mentioned, contacted, or identified as subjects of the investigation by federal authorities.
The only instance in which such a connection was suggested appears in the Newsweek article itself. In light of the outcome of the investigation, it is now evident that the claims made in that article were unfounded and created a misleading impression regarding World Olivet Assembly and Rev. Mark Spisak.
Update: On February 2, 2023, the presiding judge granted WOA's motion to dismiss Newsweek's lawsuit in its entirety.
The two reporters, both of whom seem to have no history or prior experience in covering news related to religion, are using a strategy of questionable coverage that mostly relies on anonymous sources, sensational headlines and subtle innuendo. They are engaged in an ongoing harassment campaign, constantly contacting a widening circle of people and partners in WOA's network with implied, yet totally unsubstantiated, allegations. They also continue to tie in as many names and organizations as possible - even if entirely unrelated to the "story" itself.
The following is a statement by World Olivet Assembly (WOA) in response to a Newsweek article posted on December 20, 2022:
In a recent article, Newsweek writes about the World Olivet Assembly and more specifically its General Secretary Rev. Mark Spisak. The article speaks about a federal investigation, in which agents are "looking for information" on Rev. Spisak. Citing an anonymous source, Newsweek claims to have seen digital correspondence with a "witness" but offers no evidence of or direct quotes from said correspondence.
Neither WOA nor Rev. Spisak or any other staff are aware of any investigation. Neither the denomination nor Rev. Spisak have ever been subject to any investigation, accused of or linked to any criminal accusation. Even the Newsweek article itself does not specify what the information is that agents are allegedly looking for, or in what way that allegedly would imply Rev. Spisak's connection to any wrongdoing.
As WOA has no connection to Newsweek's ownership dispute, there is no legal basis for the lawsuit that Newsweek brought against WOA and several other entities and persons. WOA is therefore looking forward to seeing the lawsuit dismissed in the coming days or weeks.
World Olivet Assembly (WOA) is a global denomination of evangelical churches and para-churches that exists for the advancement of world mission. The denomination is structured through regional and national assemblies. WOA's mission is to proclaim God's word, to help others come to faith in Jesus Christ, and to seek fulfillment of the Great Commission that the Lord has entrusted to all believers. WOA is committed to bring unity among the body of Christ centered upon evangelical values and traditions inspired from the Bible.
For any media inquiries, please contact the World Olivet Assembly's Public Relations Department at pr@worldolivet.org. More information about the World Olivet Assembly can be found at www.worldolivet.org.