Megachurch Co-founder Resigns Following Probe into Inappropriate Conduct

MAR 23 2022·Updated JAN 23 2023

Story

Image credit: Paul Miller/AAP [via The Guardian]

The Facts

Brian Houston, a co-founder of the megachurch Hillsong, has resigned after investigations found he had engaged in inappropriate conduct with two women.
guardian
Houston, 68, had reportedly sent unacceptable text messages to one and had entered the hotel room of another. The church is still reeling from allegations that he had covered up sex abuse.
NBC
The church's board said the Pastor had been under the influence of sleeping tablets at the time of the first incident, and anti-anxiety medication and alcohol at the time of the second.
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Hillsong has separately been accused by volunteers of elitism, exploitative behaviour, racism and anti-LGBTQ+ actions.
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In 2020, Houston oversaw the firing of Pastor Carl Lentz for "moral failures", after it emerged Lentz had cheated on his wife of 17 years.
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Sources Split

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RIGHT

ESTAB
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ESTAB

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Hillsong had a culture of preferential celebrity treatment and, clearly, untouchable and unaccountable leadership. Aside from the fact he had to settle cases of inappropriate behaviour towards women, Houston has also been accused of concealing his father's sex abuse offences.

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Pro-establishment narrative

Hillsong was founded due to Houston's obedience and commitment to Christianity, but mistakes made by the church are being acknowledged and acted upon. Phil Dooley, the church's interim global leader, has pledged greater transparency and systematic changes to make Hillsong a place of healing.