Reformation Charlotte has been covering the recent saga surrounding Hillsong and its multiple sex scandals over the last several years. After firing Hillsong NYC pastor, Carl Lentz, after admitting to a long-term affair with a Muslim woman, Brian Houston, the founder and CEO of Hillsong, found himself embroiled in his own sex scandal.
Houston, who is also caught up in a child abuse cover-up scandal involving his late father, Frank Houston, who helped him found Hillsong, appears to be very good and running at business but very bad at being a Christian leader. Now, Houston himself is caught up in his own sex scandal.
Two incidents that were reported and under investigation by Hillsong involved Houston sending inappropriate text messages to a woman of a sexual nature and the other involved Houston disappearing into a woman’s hotel room for almost an hour one night while away that involved the use of alcohol. Houston has not publicly admitted to having sex with this woman, but it does beg the question: what was he doing in her room?
Apparently, Hillsong and Houston have found these incidents—along with his alleged involvement in covering up his father’s sex crimes—to be detrimental enough for Houston to completely step away from Hillsong altogether. Previously, Houston stepped down as CEO of Hillsong but had continued to preach and hold the title of “Global Pastor.” After Reformation Charlotte broke the story on Monday that all of Brian Houston’s teaching had been scrubbed from Hillsong’s websites, Hillsong released a statement today announcing that Houston has completely resigned from the global organization and that Hillsong has accepted his resignation.
Below is the statement in full, which can also be seen on Hillsong’s website.
Dear Church,
We would like to advise you that Pastor Brian Houston has resigned as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church and the board has accepted his resignation.
We understand there will be much emotion at this news, and we all share these feelings. Irrespective of the circumstances around this, we can all agree that Brian and Bobbie have served God faithfully over many decades and that their ministry has resulted in millions of people across the world being impacted by the power, grace, and love of Jesus Christ.
Hillsong Church was birthed out of Brian and Bobbie’s obedience and commitment to the call of God and we are extremely grateful for all that Brian and Bobbie have given to build His house. We ask that you continue to pray for them, and the entire Houston family, during this challenging time.
As you can appreciate, there is still much to be done and our church leadership continues seeking God for His wisdom as we set the course for the future. We acknowledge that change is needed. We have committed to an independent review of our governance structure and processes, understanding that this is a time of humble reflection and we are committed to doing what is necessary to ensure God is honoured, and our eyes are fixed on Jesus.
We value your ongoing support and prayers. We are also praying for our entire church family at this time.
Hillsong Church Global and Australian Boards.
See also:
- Hillsong is from Hell, Be Glad It’s Falling Apart
- Hillsong’s Dead: Hillsong Founder and CEO Now Caught in His Own Sex Scandal After Firing Lentz
- Hillsong Church Phoenix to Host Catholic Mass During Conference in January
- Hillsong Christmas Special Features Scantily-Clad Teen Girls Dancing and Writhing Around Provocatively
- Former Hillsong Staff Member Explains Why He Left Hillsong
- Popular Worship Artist Denounces Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation for “Heresy”
- John MacArthur on Hillsong and Bethel: Taking the Holy Spirit’s Name in Vain Constantly
- Hillsong Caving in on Itself as Another Location Shuts Down Amid Scandal
- The Dangerous Cult of Hillsong
- Why Hillsong Music is Dangerous For Your Church
