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Credit Jeff Gilbert Alamy Stock Photo
Credit Jeff Gilbert Alamy Stock Photo
Church News

'We never claimed to be a perfect church': Hillsong addresses Brian Houston resignation

by Sophie Drew

 Hillsong UK has addressed the resignation of Brian Houston following allegations of misconduct against two women. 

The church has said they are 'heavy-hearted' following the news, which they described as a 'shock'. 

Houston stepped down from his role as global senior pastor of Hillsong Church following two allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour'. 

It is claimed that he entered one woman's hotel room at a conference. The second allegation claims Houston sent inappropriate texts to a church employee. 

Speaking as part of their Mother's Day service on Sunday, March 27, the UK branch tried to focus on joy, rather than the 'tough' week they had faced. 

They said: "It's a time of humble reflection for us, and a time where we're just looking at us as a church, and how we want to continue for us to get better...and how we can get through this together, Church."

In Sydney, Phil Dooley - the interim global senior pastor following Houston's departure - read aloud the statement released following Houston's resignation. 

He then reflected on the memories he had of Hillsong Church  - an organisation he has been part of since he was 16 - and described it as a 'safe space' for him and many others. 
Tearfully, he reflected on meeting his wife Lucinda at a Hillsong youth group. 

He said: "Pastor Brian married us with a moustache and a mullet. We serve the young people of our church as he and Bobbie served all of us.

He continued: "I said this on Vision Sunday but the truth is that we have never claimed to be a perfect church. Personally, I've made mistakes along the way, as I'm sure many of us have. I stand here today - in the midst of a very difficult time - to say I'm extremely grateful for the sacrifice, service and unwavering commitment, over many, many years, of Pastor Brian and Bobbie, to build this church."
 

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