Hillsong Church Fires Justin Bieber's Pastor Carl Lentz — Here's What Happened
Australian megachurch, Hillsong, has fired its celebrity preacher, Carl Lentz, following accusations of misconduct, which could no longer be condoned by the church.
Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz will longer be part of the acclaimed megachurch's leadership due to careful considerations and a collective decision taken by the church. Lentz, who is Justin Bieber's pastor, was said to have been involved in some moral misconduct that led to his ex-communication from Hillsong.
In a statement released on Hillsong's official page, Carl Lentz and his wife Laura were removed from their leadership posts in the "best interest of everyone," the duo included.
Justin Bieber performed onstage at Power 96.1's Jingle Ball 2015 at Phillips Arena on December 17, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia | Photo: Getty Images
The church commended the couple for their tremendous efforts in building the Hillsong branch in New York while emphatically sharing that they had a heart "for people."
Following his exit from the church, Lentz took to Instagram to share a lengthy and candid statement on the events that lead to him being fired.
In the statement, the megachurch hoped for a restoration period, where God could use Lentz and his spouse in another denomination outside Hillsong. The statement continued as regards the couple's exit:
"This action has been taken following ongoing discussions in relation to leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures…"
Describing it as "inappropriate," the church authority noted in the write-up that no further details would be given on the bone of contention while concluding that there will be no additional statements from the church.
Lentz was the forerunner in 2010 when Hillsong launched the church's division in New York. Since then, he headed the growing congregation and earned the attention of many celebrities.
Following his exit from the church, Lentz took to Instagram to share a lengthy and candid statement on the events that lead to him being fired. Sharing a snapshot of himself and his lovely family, Lentz,42, addressed fans:
"Our time at HillsongNYC has come to an end. This is a hard ending to what has been the most amazing, impacting, and a special chapter of our lives. Leading the church has been an honor…"
The former senior pastor went on as he admitted that he was unfaithful in his marriage, and he took full responsibility for his action. Lentz added that he had started a journey of rebuilding the trust in his family.
The 42-year-old also addressed the church, making it known that there was no "ill-will" concerning the drastic decision. He also begged his congregation and those who looked up to him for forgiveness while thanking the church authority for the precious time as a leader.