Houston explained that the recent allegations have had an emotional impact on him and the “result is Hillsong’s global board feels it is in my and the church’s best interest for this to happen. So I’ve agreed to step aside from all ministry responsibilities until the end of the year.”
“I need to be fully committed to preparation and engagement with the case and work closely with my lawyers in defending this charge,” Houston said. Reiterating his words from previous statements, he told Hillsong Church that he intends to fight the charge of concealing his father’s child sex offenses and welcomes “the opportunity to set the record straight.”
According to the video message, Bobbie will continue to stay fully engaged in church life, which includes their upcoming 2022 conference.
Hillsong South Africa pastors, Phil and Lucinda Dooley, will become Hillsong Church’s global senior interim pastors while Brian fights the charges brought against him. The Dooley’s have served in Africa for the last thirteen years.
“Be assured we’ll make the best of this season to replenish spiritually, emotionally, and physically,” Houston said.
Before Bobbie prayed at the conclusion of their video message, she told Hillsong Church, “This announcement really gives me no joy, but you know what, we shall rejoice and we shall press on because that is the nature of ‘Thy kingdom come’ in our lives and your lives and in this church and across the earth.”
After Bobbie finished her live sermon at Hillsong Church’s main campus, the Dooley’s closed the service with encouraging words for Brian and Bobbie and prayed for the couple and the church.
Read Houston’s full statement here or watch his video message at the 40 minute mark of their live stream.
Houstons’ Daughter Shares Instagram Post
Brian and Bobbie’s daughter, Laura Toggs, shared a touching Instagram post directed towards her parents after her father shared his announcement. Toggs serves alongside her husband as Hillsong Church’s youth ministry pastor.
Toggs posted five images of her parents, four of which where vintage photographs, and wrote the caption, “So very proud to be their daughter.”
