Hillsong College shuts down campus after sex probe claims

Hillsong College was the engine room of the Christian megachurch but now it has announced it is shutting a branch.

Hillsong College has closed down one of its campuses following claims that students were subjected to invasive questioning about their sex lives.

The Christian megachurch announced it was shutting down its branch in the United States in May, saying it was a “strategic pause”.

Former Hillsong college student Laura Hamilton, who was among students asked about their sexual history on enrolment, said the church had lost its shine.

Laura Hamilton spoke out about Hillsong College. Picture: David Geraghty

“Their name is mud around the globe, I’m not surprised this happened,” she said.

“Their PR language is not going to fly any more.”

Hillsong’s decision comes after this masthead’s podcast Faith on Trial last year revealed allegations of a “rape culture” being taught at college.

Global senior pastor Phil Dooley denied the claim.

Five women who spoke to this masthead said young women were asked if they had been “drunk, had sex or watched porn” in the previous 12 months before starting at the college.

Those who said yes were allegedly prevented from working with children.

Former student Alyssa Harper said she was threatened with a $50 fine for having sex with her boyfriend and forced to write an essay on the “dangers” of sex before marriage.

Hillsong confirmed it asked students about “moral failings” on an entrance form, adding that it wanted to check if a person was a “safe member of our student body”.

Yolandi Bosch claimed Hillsong had a “rape culture”, which the megachurch denied.

Hillsong Church Global Senior Pastor Phil Dooley.

The Sydney-based church put a statement on its website this week, confirming the shutdown in the United States.

“In a forward-looking initiative to ensure a sustainable and promising future, Hillsong College USA will conclude its current operations at the end of the Spring semester in May 2024,” the statement said.

Alyssa Harper. Picture: Sam Ruttyn.

“This decision is not a conclusion, but rather a strategic pause as we embark on developing a new College model for Hillsong’s future globally.

“Hillsong College USA, during its time in Phoenix and Orange County, has made a positive impact in the lives of its students and on their church communities.”

Students will be allowed to finish their current year of studies.

Hillsong College charges up to $17,000 a year for degree courses in Theology.

The college was also a source of volunteer labour to run conferences and church events.

Hillsong has yet to make public its financial reports for 2023.

The Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission have been investigating the church. The church said it was co operating with inquiries.

More than 18,000 Hillsong financial documents were tabled in parliament in March last year, detailing claims of financial fraud and tax evasion.

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