Crenshaw called the situation “very disheartening and devastating.” She did not want to “get [Hillsong’s] money and walk away without my voice” but rather “get some accountability and real sense of justice and hope that they would really change moving forward.” Crenshaw sees what has happened as “evidence that, despite their new leadership, they have the same tactics.”
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“I was seeking some justice, and I was ready for that Monday, and I feel like Hillsong ripped that opportunity from me, and they’ve delayed the pain,” she said, explaining that she had expended significant mental and emotional energy by traveling to Australia and preparing to engage in a trial.
Now, instead of being able to put the situation behind her, she has to stay in the country and plan for a retrial. The case is adjourned until May 13, when a new trial date will be set.
“There’s so much shame that comes along with these types of abuses, and victims shouldn’t feel shame,” said Crenshaw, “and I have worked so hard to find my voice in coming forward from my first initial report to Hillsong, and they have from day one tried to silence me.”
In response to a request for comment, Hillsong directed ChurchLeaders to a statement about the case on its website, where the church says it is “deeply saddened” by events that have led to the current legal situation.
“As a church we are committed to continuing to provide an environment where it is safe to speak up and to provide care and support for anyone who reaches out,” the statement says in part.
“Hillsong is defending this case and was ready to proceed with the trial on Monday morning. Following an approach by Anna’s legal team, it entered into good faith discussions with her,” the statement continues. “We reject any suggestion that we attempted to prevent Anna from having her day in Court or that there were any attempts to silence or intimidate her.”
The statement concludes:
In relation to Anna’s report of the assault, Hillsong respected Anna’s directions and requests for confidentiality. It also supported her personally and in her studies. After undertaking its own investigations and obtaining independent legal advice, Hillsong reported the matter to the NSW Police after notifying Anna’s representative of its intention to do so. We commend Anna and indeed every person who has the courage to come forward after experiencing any form of hurt or harm.
This article has been updated with a statement from Hillsong Church.
