A message to our church from our Interim Global Senior Pastor, Phil Dooley

Dear Church,

Since Lucinda and I took on the role of Interim Global Senior Pastors, I have endeavoured to keep you updated on the progress Hillsong Church is making to bring significant change to our organisational structure, and I am looking forward to sharing further details with you at our Church Update evening scheduled for Tuesday, August 23. We will give you more details about this shortly.

I have also given you a commitment that we will keep you informed of developments and issues that arise in an open and transparent manner as we move forward into the future that God has for us.

In this light, I wanted to inform you of a legal case that has just been lodged against Hillsong Church by a staff member. This case involves employment issues, however it includes various allegations that pertain to church finances.

While I’d like to provide you with more specific details I unfortunately cannot, because while the claims can be publicised, it is inappropriate to respond or comment publicly because the matter is before the court. 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.

While I have been advised that during the court process we will defend these claims, I also acknowledge that there are many things we must do – and are already doing – differently to how we have operated in the past. This is a new day for Hillsong, and we are today a different church to what we were even a year ago. When issues like this arise, our first response must be to look to the Holy Spirit and be led by Him.

Please keep in mind that anything you may hear, or that may be reported, are allegations that are untested and unproven. But equally, I want you to know that if throughout this process we find that we need to make changes, we will. We are confident that truth will prevail, and we appreciate your prayers.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Ps Phil.