Brian Houston has stepped down from his position as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church after he was accused of behaving inappropriately toward two women.
The Hillsong board announced Houston’s resignation on March 23, writing, “We acknowledge that change is needed. “We have agreed to conduct an independent review and audit of our governance process and structure. This time is for humble reflection. Our eyes will be fixed on Jesus and God.
These complaints were filed by separate women “over the past 10 years,” an Australian megachurch stated in a statement dated March 18.
The first alleged incident, the church said, took place “approximately a decade ago and involved inappropriate text messages from Pastor Brian to a member of staff, which subsequently resulted in the staff member resigning.” Hillsong stated that Houston sent the messages while “under the influence” of sleeping pills and “immediately” apologized to him.