Content warning: this post briefly mentions sexual abuse. If this is triggering for you, please proceed with caution or skip it altogether.
Hillsong is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Again.
Last year, people accused Brian Houston of covering up sex crimes committed by his father Frank Houston.
One victim alleged that Houston told him “it’s your fault” when coming forward about being abused as a child. Houston stood down amid the allegations.
Last year, 60 Minutes Australia ran a story where a number of young women claimed they were sexually assaulteed while attending Hillsong College in Sydney.
American ex – student, Anna told 60 Minutes Australia that she was groped by a student administrator. When she came forward, and told Hillsong College’s leaders, she felt “unsupported”.
After Anna told her father — himself a pastor from Pennsylvania — a Penrith court charged the administrator with indecent assault.
Unfortnately, it didn’t end there. Hillsong ended up promoting him and giving his wife a leadership role. Anna was denied justice. Her father told 60 Minutes Australia they tried to keep his daughter quiet.
MP accuses Hillsong of financial misconduct
Tasmanian Independent MP, Andrew Wilkie, blew the whistle on Hillsong. He accuses them of breaching Australia’s charity and taxation laws.
Canadian YouTuber and former pastor, Josh Barbour did two videos, breaking down the accusations.
Here’s the short of it: the documents show Hillsong made a number of ‘charities’ to avoid paying tax. Meanwhike, they were pocketing the money.
Bobbi and Brian Houston have also been accused of declaring ‘wages’, while pocketing the money themselves.
Christians should be furious. People who have given money to Hillsong through tithes, etc have been robbed! And you’ve probably heard sermons on Malachi 3:8 about “robbing God” to guilt you into tithing to them!
Hillsong runs out of defenders
In the past, people and the media have been willing to defend Hillsong. Brian Houston couldn’t be responsible for what happens in New York. It’s just Christian persecution, etc, etc.
Unexpectedly, Hillsong’s (former?) defenders are quiet. Andrew Bolt, Rita Panahi, etc, all silent. Sky News Australia’s Peta Credlin has just reported the facts about the latest allegations.
It looks like Hillsong have burnt all their bridges. They no longer have defenders in the mainstream media.
Since an Independent MP has blown the whistle, this puts the Australian Labor Party (ALP), in a tight spot. The ALP, along with the Coalition (LNP) have been allies with Hillsong.
In the early 2000’s, Hillsong, along with the Australian Christian Lobby, had influence over the parties’ legislative decisions. Former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison is a known practicing Pentecostal.
Pentecostal churches have opposed anti – discrimination protections against LGBTQ+ people in faith schools. They campaigned against same – sex couples adopting. You get the idea. And, for a long time, both the Coalition and Labor bowed down to their demands.
Former Prime Ministers, Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd openly opposed same – sex marriage and keeping their deal with churches like Hillsong. This is despite Gillard openly being an atheist.
Lastly, Hillsong have been crumbling for years. It seems that Brian Houston has been arrogant one too many times. Now, there’s hell to pay!
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