Aussie mega-church, Neuma Church, rocked by cheating scandal: ‘Morally inappropriate relationship is regrettably true’
An Australian megachurch with followers across the globe is in crisis mode after its lead pastor admitted to cheating on his wife after succumbing to a “fog of deception.”
An Aussie megachurch is in crisis mode after three senior pastors abruptly stepped down over a messy cheating scandal.
Former policeman Corey Turner and his wife Simone Turner had served as global lead pastors of the Melbourne-based Pentecostal Neuma Church since 2019.
But the pair, along with married mother and fellow church pastor and “prophetess” Stacey Hilliar, all handed in their resignations abruptly in February.
Church board member Jacomi Du Preez reportedly told the congregation the Turners had resigned as “their health and wellbeing is such that they are no longer able to function in these roles.”
In an email sent to the congregation a week later on February 9, seen by news.com.au, the church board dropped a bombshell allegation.
“There has been much speculation in the public domain, and we feel it is important that we respond clearly to avoid further speculation and provide clarity on the situation,” the email read.
“Last week, the Board received a complaint from a member of the Church, alleging that Pastor Corey Turner was in an inappropriate relationship with Pastor Stacey Hilliar.
The church board said the allegations were put to pastor Turner and Pastor Hilliar, who both handed in their resignations.
With their resignations, an internal investigation was halted, and the matter now lies under the jurisdiction of the Australian Christian Churches, where both are accredited.
On February 23, Mr Turner took to Instagram to confess to the affair, addressing his tens of thousands of followers with a statement confirming the allegations.
“It’s important that I publicly confess that the recent allegation towards me of my engagement in a morally inappropriate relationship is regrettably true,” he wrote, admitting to succumbing to a “fog of deception.”
Mr Turner stressed that his wife was an innocent party in the affair.
“I’m forever grateful to my amazing wife Simone and our beautiful children who have faithfully stood beside me and embraced me in my weakness,” he said.
“Simone is innocent, I am not, yet we are committed to moving forward together into the fulness (sic) of God’s restorative plan for our marriage.”
Fellow influential Australian religious leaders and members of his flock shared support.
“Love you Corey! Thanks for sharing so sincerely. Always a phone call away. Any way we can help,” Pastor Tim Hall, one of Australia’s leading evangelists, wrote.
Andrew Sedra, controversial lead pastor of Echo Church, wrote: “Praying for God’s healing, transformative & restorative Grace over your wife, your family and you!“
His teenage son Zack, who is dedicated to the church, pledged his support to his father in the post’s comment section, stating: “Proud of you Dad!”
One follower suggested: “Probably best to just take a break from social media ... Focus on your marriage and your family.”
Neuma Church, with 12 branches spanning Australia, Thailand, and the US, is known for its highly-emphatic, rock-concert-style sermons delivered in packed theatre designed venues.
Mr Turner’s confession alluded to challenges he faced towards the end of 2023, citing fatigue and a lack of spiritual guidance as factors behind “morally inappropriate relationship”.
Mr Turner expressed gratitude towards his family, particularly his wife, Simone, who stood by him during this tumultuous period.
“Towards the end of 2023 I didn’t sufficiently guard my heart, reach out for help from trusted spiritual fathers, take decisive action or get the necessary rest I needed from the compounding levels of fatigue in my own soul.”
“In a fog of deception that clouded my emotions and Judgement I sinned and compromised my relationship with god, my marriage covenant, my character and my calling to ministry.”
He emphasised his commitment to repairing his marriage and restoring his relationship with God.
Ms Hilliar, who is married with four children, was on the executive team of the church and an online training course for those wanting to “increase their prophetic gifting”.
Mr Turner and Ms Hilliar had travelled to Europe together with other church staff, in October 2023.
News.com.au has contacted all parties for comment.
Brutal way serial dater rejects unlucky men
A 38-year-old serial dater who once averaged three dates a week rejects her failed suitors in a rather creative way.
‘Inhumane’: Top Gun pilot surrendered to US
An Australian who previously served as a US marine pilot has lost his lengthy fight against extradition to the US over allegations he illegally trained Chinese pilots.
Star addresses controversial ‘age gap’ role
She portrayed a teacher who had an affair with a student in the 90s movie, The Heartbreak Kid. Here, Claudia Karvan discusses what she really thinks about the problematic film.