(cid:31)e ‘not guilty’ verdict handed down to Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston – accused of concealing the crimes of his abuser father – brings mandatory reporting ‘into sharp focus,’ says a leading UK safeguarding expert.
Speaking exclusively to Evangelicals Now, Simon Bass of Church Safeguarding Consultancy said: ‘Many will have been shocked that Houston was acquitted, given how critical the Australian Royal Commission report back in 2014 was. The UK’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has called for the failure to report abuse to become a criminal offence. Such a law would undoubtedly encompass church leaders’.
Founded by Brian Houston in Sydney 40 years ago, Hillsong is now a global megachurch with millions of followers. He remained the Church’s global senior pastor until 2022 when he resigned following allegations he behaved inappropriately towards two women.
