Laura Lentz speaks out after Hillsong pastor husband’s affair

Six months after the firing of disgraced Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz, his wife Laura Lentz has spoken out on the couple’s treatment by fellow Christians.

The Australian wife of disgraced Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz has taken aim at the Christian community in her first public post since his affair.

Late last year, Carl Lentz was sacked from the global mega-church after his relationship with New York-based fashion designer Ranin Karim became public.

Laura Lentz addressed her husband’s adultery in a lengthy Instagram post overnight.

“I have taken time away from social media because it was not good for my soul. I have blocked and deleted more people and comments than I can count,” she wrote.

Former Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz and Laura Lentz. Picture: Instagram

“Trolls are cowards, SOME ‘Christians’ are anything but kind, gracious or loving. That won’t stop me from growing upwards and getting stronger.

“I will not forget who abandoned us but I choose to keep my heart free of bitterness and remain thankful for those that have stayed and loved us.”

One of the first people to comment on the post was Bobbie Houston, senior global Hillsong pastor and wife of Brian Houston.

Brian and Bobbie Houston are senior figures in the global megachurch.

“Laura, it’s been an arduous taxing and sad season. Time is a faithful friend when we allow it to heal. Glad you are feeling stronger, praying better days are ahead for everyone,” Mrs Houston wrote.

In November last year, Pastor Brian emailed staff and members of Hillsong East Coast informing them of Lentz’s sacking. The message cited leadership issues and breaches of trust and confirmed he would no longer be a part of Hillsong NY.

Lentz then admitted to his affair in a social media post.

Ranin Karim who had a five month affair with now sacked Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz. Picture: Instagram

Ranin Karim is a New York fashion designer whose affair made global headlines. Picture: Instagram

The affair prompted an investigation into the culture of the church.

Following the public sacking, the couple and their three children have avoided the spotlight, amid reports the church put them in “safe place” in Los Angeles.

Mrs Lentz has also been released from the church. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on her part.

Mrs Lentz parents are former Hillsong pastors Kevin and Marilyn Brett from the NSW Central Coast.