This is absolutely colossal news. This is the celebrity pastor best known for baptising Justin Bieber in a bathtub. https://twitter.com/AndrewBeckNYC/status/1324117813502578689

Pastor Lentz was a huge figure within Hillsong and especially in the U.S. as an leader of modern faith who could - and determinedly did - connect with secular culture in digestible and recognisable ways. This is massive news. https://www.gq.com/story/inside-hillsong-church-of-justin-bieber-kevin-durant

For their ends Pastor Lentz was one of Hillsong’s most prominent, impactful and effective leaders. His Australian wife Laura has been significantly involved in Hillsong for a very long time. This is an incredibly significant decision.

Recently Pastor Lentz has attracted attention for his vocal anti-racism and remarks about the church’s responsibility at this moment in culture. https://disrn.com/news/hillsong-pastor-carl-lentz-churches-might-be-one-of-biggest-propagators-of-racist-ideology

Profoundly disappointed to see some key figures (some perhaps less visible to the general public) saying the church doesn’t owe its congregation an explanation. The church has to be accountable to the congregations emotionally, spiritually and financially participating in them.

“Moral failure” is their word. Covering it up can only be damaging. Protecting people potentially in the wrong is a critical mistake waiting to happen - again.

Yes, Hillsong is in a uniquely difficult position because it has a huge public presence and unlike small, local churches it can’t talk directly to its congregation about personal issues. It is always talking back to the whole world.

But in my view it would be a devastating mistake to characterise serious “moral failure” as “private” or “someone’s personal business” and, for that reason, protect them from scrutiny and consequences. The church has no reason not to know how damaging that is, and would be again.

Well, there it is.