Hillsong investigation: List of famous megachurch celebs
LOS ANGELES - Brian Houston has resigned from the Hillsong Church amid allegations the global pastor mistreated two women; this comes ahead of a trial over charges he hid his father’s alleged child abuse.
"We would like to advise you that Pastor Brian Houston has resigned as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church and the board has accepted his resignation," the global board said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We understand there will be much emotion at this news, and we all share these feelings."
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"Irrespective of the circumstances around this, we can all agree that Brian and (his wife) Bobbie have served God faithfully over many decades and that their ministry has resulted in millions of people across the world being impacted by the power, grace, and love of Jesus Christ," the statement added.
The Houstons founded Hillsong in 1983 in Sydney’s western suburbs, with churches now in 30 countries and an average global attendance of 150,000 weekly, according to its website.
The resignation follows an apology issued by the church on Friday over allegations of Houston’s conduct towards two women.
Here are just a few celebrities who are current or former members of the megachurch:
Justin and Hailey Bieber
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Singer Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber attend Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Imag
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt attends the World Premiere of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures "Avengers: Endgame" at Los Angeles Convention Center on April 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo b
Vanessa Hudgens
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 07: Vanessa Hudgens is seen, outside the Giambattista Valli show, during Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear F/W 2022-2023, on March 07, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Several Kardashian family members
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 31: Kylie Jenner (L) and Kendall Jenner attend as Neiman Marcus celebrates the exclusive #OnlyatNM KENDALL + KYLIE Collection at Neiman Marcus on March 31, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Donato Sardella
Kevin Durant
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Utah Jazz during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and
Selena Gomez
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Selena Gomez attends the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 07: Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner attend the Louis Vuitton Womenswear Fall/Winter 2022/2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 07, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images For Louis Vuitton)
Bono
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: The musician and social activist Bono meets with António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), February 11, 2020 in New York City. Bono was at the UN for the 'Drive for Five' initiative which se
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