Hillsong Church may be undergoing changes to its organizational structure after a suspended employee claimed that the megachurch misappropriated donations and gave “large cash gifts” to former Hillsong Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston and others.
According to The Christian Post, Hillsong Church’s Interim Global Senior Pastor Phil Dooley said a meeting is scheduled for this week where staffers will discuss the “progress Hillsong Church is making to bring significant change to our organizational structure.”
“While I’d like to provide you with more specific details, I, unfortunately, cannot, because while the claims can be publicized, it is inappropriate to respond or comment publicly because the matter is before the court,” he said.
“However, I can assure you that my heart, and the desire of our leadership, is to deal with this matter as we approach any other issue– with humility, love, and prayer.”
Dooley said it was a “new day” for the church.
“When issues like this arise, our first response must be to look for the Holy Spirit and be led by Him,” Dooley said.
Dooley’s comments come after a former employee, Natalie Moses, filed a Fair Work Act lawsuit in Australia against the church.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission is reportedly investigating the church on allegations that the church violated Australian regulations on the operation of charities.
Moses said she was asked to prepare internal responses to the investigation and believed there were “questionable financial practices” happening at the church.
She said she believed that leaders at the church made illegal international transfers by making payments through the church’s U.S. entities.
Another allegation is that church leaders made “significant” gifts to church directors, family, and friends.
In March, Houston resigned as global senior pastor after allegations surfaced about misconduct with two women.
Previously, the church was also accused of splurging tithe money on large and lavish expenses.
Related:
Photo courtesy: ©David Clark/SparrowStock
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
