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Brian Houston pastor Hillsong Credit Jeff Gilbert  Alamy Stock Photo.jpg header2.jpg
Brian Houston thumb.jpg
Credit Jeff Gilbert Alamy Stock Photo
World News

Hillsong's Brian Houston says 'the best is yet to come' following resignation

by Sophie Drew

Former global senior leader of Hillsong Church, Brian Houston, said he is "deeply sorry" following allegations of misconduct against two women. 

Houston is accused of inappropriately messaging a member of church staff, and of entering the hotel room of a woman during a conference.

The megachurch founder has taken total responsibility for his actions, saying "I have no one to blame but myself for the position I find myself in."

The father-of-three is said to have been drunk at the time - he confirmed his battle with alcohol as part of his statement. 

However, he says that the incidents won't mark the end of his ministry, and that "God is not finished" with him yet.

He plans to continue to his work following a period of "respite and restoration"

The full message, published by Eternity News, reads: 

"Let me start with the words I want and need most to say - I am so deeply sorry.

"To those impacted directly by my actions, I am sorry for the pain I have caused you.

"To my wonderful, forgiving and gracious family who I love more than anything, I hate hurting you. Bobbie, in my eyes you are the most Christ-like, beautiful, loyal and faithful person alive today. It crushes me to see your heart breaking as we navigate this season, letting go of so much that is precious to you. I love my family and it pains me deeply to see you navigating these waters.

"And of course, to every single wonderful person who has called Hillsong Church home, I have let you down so badly and sorry will never be enough to express my believed me to be. Imperfect and flawed, but genuinely passionate about God, people, calling and life. I am determined that my mistakes will not define me.

"This is not the way I imagined it to end. I believe the future is still bright for Hillsong Church, as you remain knit to Jesus, His Holy Spirit, His Word. Better days are coming as you continue to lean into His Kingdom on the earth. 

"And of course, first and foremost, to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for Your amazing grace and forgiveness. Thank you that when we "confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive them." (1 John 1:9)

"Thank you Father that 'Your mercy triumphs over judgment.' (James 2:13.)

"Over many years of constant pressure, opposition, challenges, and attacks, accompanied by my personal turmoil over my father's evil, many people have asked - 'How do you continue to get up, cope, and keep going?' And now we know the answer. I haven't coped very well at all. I openly admit that alcohol has been no friend and I am determined to relegate it to my past.  

"Please be assured, I accept full responsibility for my actions and I have no one to blame but myself for the position I find myself in. 

"It may be some time before we see light at the end of this tunnel, but I know God has not finished with us yet. And what now you may ask? We are living day by day right now. Bobbie and I are unified and we are believing together that this year will be a year of respite and restoration to our souls, as I continue to prepare to fight for my innocence in the legal proceedings ahead of me.

"I still have a sense of bright hope for the future and I know God is not finished with me yet. We have no intention of retiring. As Bobbie would say, 'the final chapters of our lives are not yet written'.  

"We are grateful also to the many around the world, who have reached out to us, extending kindness and grace in this season.  

"Thank you for the immense honour of pastoring Hillsong Church these past 39 years. What a journey. What wonderful memories and joy. What powerful testimonies and stories of Christ's transformation and grace. I still believe 'the best is yet to come', and our prayer for your health, well-being and God's perfect Will in your life continues.    

"Much love,

"Brian Houston."

Houston stepped back from his role in January, in order to focus on his upcoming trial - he stands accused of covering up incidents of sexual abuse against children, committed by his father. 

Following the allegations, Brian Houston's temporary period of leave has now become permanent. 

Phil Dooley, lead pastor in South Africa, has stepped in as acting global senior leader.
 

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