SCANDAL HITS CHURCH Of THE STARS
WORSHIPPED BY A-LISTERS, HILLSONG IS FACING A NEW CRISIS
The star-studded Hillsong church is facing fresh controversy, with its leader stepping down from the faith empire. Brian Houston, founder of the evangelical powerhouse, announced this month he’s resigning from his roles on the church boards while he faces criminal charges.
Meanwhile, Australia’s elite have been embroiled as well, with The Voice coach Guy Sebastian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison harbouring connections to the crisis-hit church.
It is alleged that Houston, a personal friend of Scott Morrison’s, concealed child sexual abuse by his late father, Frank. Houston, who has been living in the US and recently travelled to preach in Mexico, says he will return to Australia and fight to clear his name of the allegations that he failed to report the alleged abuse of a boy in the 1970s.
In a recent email to the church, Houston said he would be stepping down from his roles in order to allow the church boards to “function to their fullest capacity”. He will, however, continue in his role as the church’s Global Senior Pastor.
It comes as two women claim they were attacked by members of the Hillsong denomination.
A Melbourne woman, Katherine – who did not use her real name – and American, Anna Crenshaw, told 60 Minutes that when Hillsong learnt what had happened to them, the church allegedly failed to act accordingly. The church has responded to the claims, branding them factually wrong, sensationalised and unbalanced.
Houston is one of the most powerful pastors in the world, with the Hillsong empire boasting 100,000 churchgoers every single weekend
across
the world. In Australia, Hillsong took in $96 million in tax-free revenue in the last financial year.
Among its previous members is a star-studded list of celebrities, including Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez – who have since distanced from the church. Closer to home, Guy has been connected to the church. Plus, he recently coached The Voice winner, Bella Taylor Smith, who is also a member.
One of this season’s first controversies saw Guy ‘block’ rival coach, Jessica Mauboy, from picking the 23-yearold singer, who performed a rendition of ‘Ave Maria’, when all four judges turned their chairs for her. Obviously frustrated, Jess said at the time: “I am just so mad right now. I’m so confused.”
“I just have to say, you could be on any stage. That voice is sublime,” Guy told Bella in his pitch, adding that he also performed in a church. “I would absolutely kill to have you on my team. I think you have a future and I want to be part of it.”
Social media users were upset that the show had seemingly promoted Hillsong, whose Christian music is one of Australia’s biggest music exports.
‘BRIAN HOUSTON IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL PASTORS IN THE WORLD’
“Hillsong has been instrumental in this show from the start. It’s been a vehicle for their singers. I refuse to watch anything that promotes [it],” one critic tweeted.
Another pointed out: “How can The Voice be a fair competition with the voting power of Hillsong followers? The other competitors don’t stand a chance.”
As its leader Houston returns to Australia this week ahead of an October 5 court date, the scandal-plagued church has its work cut out for it in restoring members’ faith.