1 hr ago – 2.36PM

Hillsong megachurch founder Brian Houston has resigned following complaints made against him, including over “inappropriate” text messages sent to a staffer.

The church board on Wednesday said it had accepted his resignation as pastor.

“We understand there will be much emotion at this news, and we all share these feelings. Irrespective of the circumstances around this, we can all agree that Brian and Bobbie have served God faithfully over many decades,” it said in a statement.

Hillsong founder Brian Houston has resigned as pastor after an investigation found he had behaved inappropriately. Getty

“We acknowledge that change is needed. We have committed to an independent review of our governance structure and processes.

It follows the emergence of two complaints against Houston. The church said he had sent “inappropriate text messages” to a staff member, who subsequently left the church, about a decade ago.

“At the time, Pastor Brian was under the influence of sleeping tablets, upon which he had developed a dependence,” Hillsong said on Friday.

“He immediately apologised to the person. We also worked closely with Pastor Brian to ensure he received professional help to eliminate his dependency on this medication, and this was achieved successfully.”

The second complaint stemmed from 2019 when the pastor “become disorientated” at a Hillsong conference from a mix of anti-anxiety medication and alcohol.

“This resulted in him knocking on the door of a hotel room that was not his, entering this room and spending time with the female occupant,” the church said.

“We also acknowledge that whatever the circumstances at this time, this person did not deserve to be placed in the situation she found herself in by Pastor Brian.”

The church’s integrity unit investigated and Houston was found to have breached the church’s code of conduct.

Houston was last year charged by NSW police over allegedly concealing child sex offences committed by his father.

“I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight,” he said at the time.