“In February 2022, and In (sic) the lead up to my departure from the role of Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church, I was unfortunately charged with Driving Under The Influence of alcohol in the USA,” Houston wrote. “I made the foolish decision to drive just 2 or 3 hundred metres (yards) to park the car and I am grateful to God that no damage or injury occurred.”
“At the time it seemed like all hell had broken loose within Hillsong Church and I was under immense pressure and emotional strain. Clearly that is not an excuse, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” the statement went on to say. “Thirteen months have [passed] since that incident occurred and I am now in a much stronger place within my spirit and soul.”
Houston concluded, “I am grateful to God for His sustenance and grace, and I am grateful for trusted ministry friends who, along with Bobbie and our family, have offered their constant love and support in a very difficult and disruptive season. We are looking forward together to a fruitful season ahead.”
While a fair bit of speculation has surrounded Houston’s relationship with alcohol and other substances, in Nov. 2022, Houston vehemently denied having an ongoing substance abuse problem, referring to the implication as “whispering and innuendo.”
The news of Houston’s Feb. 2022 comes alongside recent allegations that Hillsong Church misused church funds to furnish the lavish lifestyles of church leaders, including Houston.
In the wake of those allegations, new global senior pastor of Hillsong Phil Dooley announced that the church would “commission a third-party evaluation of its financial structure and processes.”
RELATED: Brian Houston Served as Lone Witness in His Own Defense, Reveals Bobbie Houston
Legal proceedings against Houston for the alleged coverup of his father’s child sex abuse are ongoing.
