Brian Houston

Brian Houston Apologises to Hillsong Church

30 March 2022

2.4 MINS

Australia’s most recognisable pastor, Brian Houston, has apologised to Hillsong Church and others he has hurt in an email sent today.

Brian Houston emailed members of Hillsong Church today to apologise for his recent misconduct that led to him resigning as Global Senior Pastor. The email was first published by Eternity News. It reads:

Dear Church,

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.

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 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

For more on the Canberra Declaration’s response to Brian Houston’s fall from grace, see here.

Image by Not the Bee.

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6 Comments

  1. Keith 30 March 2022 at 5:07 pm - Reply

    Unforgiveness holds us in the grip of Satan.
    Brian, Jesus forgave you your sins why is it you carry unforgiveness in your heart.
    If Jesus could forgive all manner of sin why are you allowing unforgiveness to hold you.
    I knew your Father and I am sure my Saviour and yours forgave him. Consider carefully unforgiveness will hold you from the richness of the Father’s Kingdom.

  2. Wes Hately 30 March 2022 at 5:25 pm - Reply

    Bless you Brian ,Bobbie and Family.

  3. John Mathai 30 March 2022 at 6:50 pm - Reply

    SAD BUT TRUE THAT WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS REAL. ONLY DEATH TO SELF CAN KEEP US FROM FALLING. GOD IS SHAKING UP HIS CHURCH AND JUDGEMENT BEGINS IN HIS HOUSE. MAY JUSTICE AND TRUTH PREVAIL.

  4. CHRISTINE MCNAMARA 30 March 2022 at 10:43 pm - Reply

    May God bless you Brian, we are not perfect and God certainly knows that. You have been forgiven for all your wrongs. Don’t look back, but look to what God has for your future, better than ever.
    You have been an inspiration to so many!
    May you be blessed abundantly, time to take some precious time with your family 🌹🙏🏻🌹

  5. Bruis Kim de Bruis 31 March 2022 at 1:52 am - Reply

    I don’t read Brian referring to his dad’s paedophila as evil to be ‘unforgiveness’.
    It is sin yes. But using the description of evil offers dignity to the childen who suffered and as adults continue to suffer from his depravity. Paedophila must never ever be minimised. It is evil.

  6. A saint of Christ and son of God 2 April 2022 at 4:34 am - Reply

    And also basic milk of the word if you don’t get baptized by full immersion in water then ask Jesus for the holy Ghost
    With the evidence, which is speaking in tongues which is the voice of the holyghost that makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered
    Then Romans 8:9 applies
    You are none of his.
    Hillsongs ministry is deception as it is treading the word of God underfoot.
    May God Judge you accordingly
    And may the following you accumulated get to hear the truth of the gospel and do as it is written.
    Prophesied by Isiah with stammering lips and other tongue’s will I speak into my people but after all that they would not hear him.
    Re integrated by Joel , then Jesus stated to Nicodemus Acts 1, then proclamation by Peter Acts 2:38-39 especially as first outpouring of HGhost on man
    Peter stated this is the way for as many as God shall call ( they all spoke in tongues. Then acts 10 Cornelius also received the holyghost for they heard him and his household speak in tongues.
    Don’t believe me Believe Jesus and God

    follow his simple directives and God will prove it, it is his word

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