Hillsong: Bobbie Houston responds to Brian Houston complaints from women
The wife of Hillsong co-founder Brian Houston has spoken out for the first time since it was revealed her husband was the subject of two inappropriate conduct complaints raised by women inside the church.
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Hillsong founder Brian Houston’s wife has expressed her grief at misconduct complaints against her husband as the church confirmed he would resign from the church the spouses built together.
Houston, 68, resigned from Hillsong Church on March 24, five days after the church’s interim global pastor confirmed the church had dealt with two complaints against him across the past 10 years.
“The first issue was 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,” the church’s board said in a statement.
“To this former staff member, we again apologise and would welcome the opportunity to provide further assistance if this is needed.”
The second incident occurred in 2019.
“It was found that Pastor Brian became disoriented after a session at the Hillsong Conference, following the consumption of anti-anxiety medication beyond the prescribed dose, mixed with alcohol,” the church’s board continued.
“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 news has been cataclysmic for the church’s global congregation, which has campuses in 30 countries on six continents and approximately 150,000 members.
Houston’s wife Bobbie - who co-founded the Hills Christian Life Centre with him in Baulkham Hills in 1983 before it later became Hillsong - has now responded in a relatively subtle fashion, in a new comment on her own Instagram post from the day before her husband’s conduct became public.
“Thank you for lovely comments and love. It’s seen. And felt. And appreciated,” Mrs Houston wrote.
“I’m okay. It’s been a very cruel week - but I will forever stand alongside the man I have loved and walked with for 45 years.
“I know his nature and character and integrity more than ANYONE.”
Mrs Houston concluded the post with a peace dove emoji and an eagle emoji.
In reference to the second incident, the church’s board said it found Houston had breached the Hillsong Pastor’s Code of Conduct.
“We also acknowledge that 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 stated.
“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 couple’s daughter Laura Toggs - who is also employed at Hillsong - has also responded to the revelation of her father’s conduct.
“If we can be constantly humiliated publicly, then I am tempted to express my crushing pain publicly,” Ms Toggs wrote in part of a lengthy post on Instagram.
“I choose to text my beloved dad ‘I love you’ a thousand times again … I choose my bravest of brave mum … I choose once again to take a higher road and keep my heart with utmost gentleness and humility and grace.”
The Houstons’ sons Ben and Joel - also employed by the church - have not commented publicly.
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Originally published as Hillsong: Bobbie Houston responds to Brian Houston complaints from women
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