Hillsong’s board said in its statement the complaints had been treated “extremely seriously”.
The statement said the first complaint was about “inappropriate text messages from Pastor Brian to a member of staff, which subsequently resulted in the staff member resigning” about 10 years ago.
Mr Houston stepped down as leader in January and remains on leave.Credit:Janie Barrett
“At the time, Pastor Brian was under the influence of sleeping tablets, upon which he had developed a dependence. He immediately apologised to the person. We also worked closely with Pastor Brian to ensure he received professional help to eliminate his dependency on this medication, and this was achieved successfully.
“To this former staff member, we again apologise and would welcome the opportunity to provide further assistance if this is needed.”
The board said the second incident related to a complaint received in 2019. An investigation found Mr Houston had become “disoriented” after a session at a Hillsong Conference, following “the consumption of anti-anxiety medication beyond the prescribed dose, mixed with alcohol”.
“This resulted in him knocking on the door of a hotel room that was not his, entering this room and spending time with the female occupant,” the statement said.
The investigators said although some aspects of the complaint were “unable to be sustained”, Mr Houston’s conduct was of “serious concern” and the board found he had breached the Hillsong pastor’s code of conduct.
“Whatever the circumstances at this time, this person did not deserve to be placed in the situation she found herself in by Pastor Brian,” the board said.
Following the most recent investigation, Mr Houston had agreed to take “specific action, including stepping down from leadership for a period.
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“However unfortunately he failed to take all of the agreed steps which resulted in further action being taken by the board in late 2021.”
Hillsong said Mr Houston “remains on a period of leave”.
“We apologise unreservedly to the people affected by Pastor Brian’s actions and commit to being available for any further assistance we can provide,” the board said.
In his address on Sunday, Mr Dooley said the church would “continue to pray for Pastor Brian, and [his wife] Bobbie and the entire Houston family at this time”.
“As a church community, we are having to deal with a whole lot of pain, sorrow and hurt, and I know that this is not easy for any of us … But I pray that we can and we will get through this together.”
Hillsong Church was founded in 1983 in Sydney’s Baulkham Hills and claims a global weekly attendance of more than 150,000 worshippers, with nearly 50,000 in Australia.
The church has been asked to comment on the findings.
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‘We are sorry’: Hillsong apologises for Brian Houston conduct breach
Source: Philippines Alive
