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Pastor Phil Dooley banner.PNG
Hillsong Church
Pastor Phil Dooley.PNG
Hillsong Church
USA News

The church is 'built on Jesus not on any one person' says Hillsong's interim global leader amid Brian Houston misconduct allegations

by Kelly Valencia

The current global leader of Hillsong church has referenced Brian Houston's misconduct allegations during his Sunday sermon. 

Last week, Hillsong Church issued a formal apology after allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Hillsong founder Brian Houston came to light. 

Houston has been accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a member of staff and entering a hotel room of a different woman while drunk.

Through tears, Pastor Phil Dooley reminded the congregation that their church is "built on Jesus, not just on any one person". 

"We as a leadership of Hillsong Church have repentant hearts in this season. I want to say we are sorry for anyone who has been a victim of any form of harassment," he said,

"Some of us here or wherever you are listening understand the pain because you have experienced it yourselves. And others of us are doing our best to empathize with you. Where you've been hurt, we pray for healing, strength and courage to move forward in your life," Pastor Phil continued. 

Pastor Phil and his wife Lucinda were appointed interim global leaders earlier this year as Houston decided to take time this year to prepare to stand trial for criminal charges that allege he concealed his father sexual abuse. 

He continued: "I pray that we can and we will get through this together. We will continue to pray for Pastor Brian, Bobbie and the entire Houston family at this time. And we believe for God's grace, love, peace and hope to be upon them," 

During his sermon, Pastor Phil also acknowledge the church community is having to deal with a lot of  "pain sorrow and hurt " but insisted the church's leadership will continue to respond to the crisis with "love, grace and truth" and prays "we will get through this together".

Pastor Phil also said he and his wife "personally commit" to do their best in rebuilding aspects of transparency that have been lost in the church, to focus on "health and healing" during this season and to seek "to honour God" in all they do. 

He concluded: "Let me remind you…Our church ... is built on Jesus, not just on any one person. Beyond a board, beyond an eldership, we need these elements, they matter and we want to make sure they are done well. But our hope and our trust is in Jesus. We are guided by the word of God and the Holy Spirit of God, and we will continue to ask God for wisdom and guidance and strength in this season."

Brian Houston has not yet made any public statement regarding the accusations. 

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