Vidostream | News, sport and opinion from the Vidostream's US Edition

https://vidostream.com

Hillsong founder’s bombshell announcement ​

The pastor of the mega church, who is facing allegations he concealed his father’s child sexual abuse, gave his worshippers some surprise news.

Hillsong founder Brian Houston dropped a bombshell on his worshippers announcing he was stepping aside from all church activities while he defends allegations he concealed his father’s child sexual abuse.

The pastor for the powerful evangelical church was charged in October last year with one count of concealing the serious indictable offence of another person.

Police allege Mr Houston knew from September 1999 that his father Frank Houston had indecently assaulted a male in 1970.

But on Sunday, Mr Houston told the church’s congregation that the criminal charge came as a “complete shock” and he intends to “vigorously defend” it but this meant some changes.
 

The head of Hillsong Church Brian Houston has sensationally been charged with allegedly concealing child sex offences. Police will allege that he knew about the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring it to the attention of police. Picture: Instagram
The head of Hillsong Church Brian Houston has sensationally been charged with allegedly concealing child sex offences. Police will allege that he knew about the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring it to the attention of police. Picture: Instagram
 

He revealed to his followers his decision to immediately step down from his current duties as part of the church leadership.

“In December during our annual board retreat, Hillsong’s external legal counsel gave the board advice regarding the current charge I’m facing and that it would be best practice for me to step aside completely from church leadership during the court proceedings,” he told the congregation on Sunday morning.

“So its likely to be drawn out and take up most of 2022, especially considering the backlog in courts exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. And along with this the board and I have been having detailed discussions around requirements for leadership and we’ve talked about the effects of the situation with my father, going back many years up to the current legal case, and the impact that this has had on me emotionally.

“So the result is Hillsong’s global board feel it’s in my and the church’s best interest for this to happen, so I’ve agreed to step aside from all ministry responsibilities until the end of the year.”
 

He said it was in the church’s best interests to step aside. Picture: Facebook
He said it was in the church’s best interests to step aside. Picture: Facebook
 

The 67-year-old added he need to be “fully committed” to prepare his case and work closely with his lawyers to defend the charge and “set the record straight”.

In September last year, he also stepped aside as a director of all Hillsong boards.

Earlier this week, the Hillsong founder’s court matter was delayed once again after his lawyers told a court he would plead not guilty.

Lawyers for the mega-church founder requested via email Mr Houston’s matter be adjourned so prosecutors and legal counsel could hold a case conference in February and re-list the matter.

In court documents, police allege Mr Houston failed to tell the authorities his father had allegedly indecently assaulted a male in 1970, despite believing his father had committed the assault, and knowing he had information that might help a prosecution.

“Believing that Frank Houston committed that offence and knowing that he had information that might be of material assistance in securing the prosecution of Frank Houston for that offence,” court documents allege that he “failed to bring that information to the attention of NSW Police”.
 

Brian Houston, who founded Australia's first megachurch, Hillsong, will step down from the global operation, months after he was forced to sack his New York pastor for cheating on his wife, which sparked weeks of international headlines. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi
Brian Houston, who founded Australia's first megachurch, Hillsong, will step down from the global operation, months after he was forced to sack his New York pastor for cheating on his wife, which sparked weeks of international headlines. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi 
 

The period of the charge is from September 15, 1999 to November 9, 2004, the day after Frank Houston’s death.

Hills Police Area Command began investigating reports Mr Houston had knowingly concealed information related to child sex offences in 2019.

More Coverage

‘Mad’: Hillsong pastor defends wild campHillsong leader to fight child sex abuse cover up charge

Mr Houston founded Hillsong in the Sydney suburbs in 1983, while his father was head of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand until 1971.

The court matter was adjourned to March 3.

Author: Editors Desk

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second