In case you hadn’t seen the headlines, there’s a story floating around that claims Hillsong Church has an openly gay couple directing a choir at the New York city campus. Is it true or not? Yes and no.
The headline certainly stirred controversy—and attacks—against the church. Many automatically believed the story, perhaps because Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston once said he would not take a public stand on gay issues and New York campus pastor Carl Lentz waffled on homosexuality.
But Houston is clarifying what happened.
“Hillsong’s position on homosexuality and gay marriage has not changed and is consistent with Scripture. As I have stated previously, I believe the writings of Paul are clear on this subject. Several months ago when one of our choir directors made an unexpected public statement regarding his engagement to a man who sometimes sang in the choir, it was a complete surprise to us as well,” Houston says.
“It is my understanding that they have not been involved in an active leadership or ministry role since,” he continues. “That said, we still love them and acknowledge that they—like all of us—are on a journey, and our role as a church is to assist them on this journey with grace and compassion.”
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