Originally published in Eternity News
Brian Houston, who recently resigned as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church, has today emailed an apology to church members. The email, obtained by Eternity, reads as follows:
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Dear Church,
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Let me start with the words I want and need most to say — I am so deeply sorry.
To those impacted directly by my actions, I am sorry for the pain I have caused you.
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To my wonderful, forgiving and gracious family who I love more than anything, I hate hurting you. Bobbie, in my eyes you are the most Christ-like, beautiful, loyal and faithful person alive today. It crushes me to see your heart breaking as we navigate this season, letting go of so much that is precious to you. I love my family and it pains me deeply to see you navigating these waters.
And of course, to every single wonderful person who has called Hillsong Church home, I have let you down so badly and sorry will never be enough to express my sorrow. As hollow as it may sound, I believe I am the person and pastor you believed me to be. Imperfect and flawed, but genuinely passionate about God, people, calling and life. I am determined that my mistakes will not define me.
This is not the way I imagined it to end. I believe the future is still bright for Hillsong Church, as you remain knit to Jesus, His Holy Spirit, His Word. Better days are coming as you continue to lean into His Kingdom on the earth.
And of course, first and foremost, to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for Your amazing grace and forgiveness. Thank you that when we “confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive them.” (1 John 1:9)
Thank you Father that “Your mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13.)
Over many years of constant pressure, opposition, challenges, and attacks, accompanied by my personal turmoil over my father’s evil, many people have asked – “How do you continue to get up, cope, and keep going?” And now we know the answer. I haven’t coped very well at all. I openly admit that alcohol has been no friend and I am determined to relegate it to my past.
Please be assured, I accept full responsibility for my actions and I have no one to blame but myself for the position I find myself in.
It may be some time before we see light at the end of this tunnel, but I know God has not finished with us yet. And what now you may ask? We are living day by day right now. Bobbie and I are unified and we are believing together that this year will be a year of respite and restoration to our souls, as I continue to prepare to fight for my innocence in the legal proceedings [he faces charges of concealing sexual abuse by his father] ahead of me.
I still have a sense of bright hope for the future and I know God is not finished with me yet. We have no intention of retiring. As Bobbie would say, “the final chapters of our lives are not yet written”.
We are grateful also to the many around the world, who have reached out to us, extending kindness and grace in this season.
Thank you for the immense honour of pastoring Hillsong Church these past 39 years. What a journey. What wonderful memories and joy. What powerful testimonies and stories of Christ’s transformation and grace. I still believe “the best is yet to come”… and our prayer for your health, well-being and God’s perfect Will in your life continues.
Much love,
Brian Houston
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All he did to build a ministry that flooded the earth with so much light will never be forgotten. Sending so much love to the incredible Houston family and the man who is still head of that lion pride, Pastor Brian Houston. I believe the wonder we saw come from Hilsong over the years was directly connected to this man’s vision and his heart to see people reach their potential in Christ. The ministry, especially the music, has been a staple in my life with Jesus. At times it reminded me of my purpose, other times I’ve just sat drenched in awe of God as Hilsong’s music has washed over me- other times their songs gave me moments of weeping before God as I’ve sought His guidance and strength through the most trying of times.
What I’m most grateful to Pastor Brian for was he pointed us to Jesus and that is a foundation, that no matter what, cannot be shaken.
Blessings to this family. And I amen what Pastor Brian said about the best still to come.
Yes and Amen !!!
To all that Hannah wrote down… Bless the pastor and his family in The Name Of JESUS.