News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Hillsong-Main_article_image.jpg
hillsongchurch.wordpress.com
Entertainment

Hillsong drops controversial Mark Driscoll from conference

by Antony Bushfield

Pastor Brian Houston said he had taken the decision to remove Mr Driscoll's invitation after "personal interaction".

It comes after a petition to ban him from the event gathered almost 3,000 signatures.

Media reports in recent days accused Mark Driscoll of likening women to "penis homes".

Mars Hill Church

Mark Driscoll quit American mega church Mars Hill church last year after it found him "guilty of arrogance, responding to conflict with a quick temper and harsh speech, and leading the staff and elders in a domineering manner".

In a statement the head of Hillsong, Pastor Houston said: "Clearly Mark has held some views and made some statements that cannot be defended.

"One or two of the more outrageous things he is purported to have said, I have heard for the first time through the media exposure over the past week."

The statement said: "The teachings of Christ are based on love and forgiveness, and I will not write off Mark as a person simply because of the things that people have said about him, a small minority of people signing a petition or statements he has made many years ago for which he has since repeatedly apologised.

"However, I do not want unnecessary distractions during our conference, particularly as this 30 minute interview was only a small part of this five day event.

"It was clear to me that Mark's attendance had the potential to divert attention from the real purpose of Hillsong Conference, which is to see people leave encouraged in their own spiritual journey."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate