An internal investigation into alleged wrongdoing by former New York City Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz has portrayed him as manipulative, abusive and secretive.
The investigation, leaked to The Christian Post and carried out by law firm Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman, LLP, was launched in 2020 after Lentz was fired by Hillsong for being unfaithful to his wife.
The 51-page report accuses Lentz of "causing" many churchgoers "to suffer from mental illness", and of having at least one other affair in September 2020 with a woman he met in Brooklyn and saved in his phone as "Germany".
The report also claims as the senior pastor, Lentz mishandled a number of complaints relating to sexual interaction between "church leaders and congregants, staff, volunteers, or non-churchgoers."
Reacting to the leaked investigation, his wife Laura Lentz said on Instagram: "My family has remained silent throughout this ordeal because our priority has been the healing of our family. This does not mean we do not have a lot to say!
"When the time is right, we have a lot to say about what has happened as well as speaking directly to the RELENTLESS lies, accusations and hypocritical scapegoating that has sadly been so prevalent.
"Until then, we are so grateful for the constant support of so many. Your kindness has meant the world to us. We are looking forward to a brighter day!"
