Suspended Employee Alleges that Hillsong Church Made "Large Cash GfIts" to Founder Brian Houston
A new lawsuit has been filed in Australia against Hillsong Church. A suspended employee Natalie Moses alleges the Australia-based megachurch misappropriated donations and gave "large cash gifts" to founding pastor and former Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston, his family and other church leaders.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission is reportedly investigating the church since March to verify if the organization complies with Australian regulations governing the operation of charities.
The 25-page statement of claim filed by Ms Moses's lawyers includes accusations Hillsong illegally hid its international transfers by making payments through its US-based entities. Moses, who worked within the church's financial department, claimed the Australian leadership team suspended her employment after she refused a directive to deceive regulators about its overseas activities.
Along with claims that church leaders made "significant" gifts to church directors and their family and friends, Moses said they used church credit cards to pay for international travel and designer products.
Peter Ridley, the church's chief financial officer, allegedly told key financial department members during a March 29 meeting that God would protect Hillsong during the investigation because "God protects the righteous and Hillsong is the righteous."
The church's lawyers told the ABC it will defend the matter.
"We are further instructed that Hillsong is continuing to work with the enquiries made by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission," they said.
"As the matter is now before the Federal Court of Australia, it is inappropriate to make any further comment."
Tags : Brian Houston Hillsong hillsong church Hillsong lawsuit Natalie Moses Hillsong scandals
Hot Trends
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Tia Rachelle Returns with New Single “Get The Glory”
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Hulvey Announces New Album, "Cry," Due Out Sept. 13
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Randall Goodgame's "Scripture Hymnal" Unveils a Treasury of Bible Songs
-
Jordan Feliz Shares Details of His Upcoming Album "Everything Good"
-
Tamela Mann Releases Album "Live Breathe Fight" Oct. 11
-
David and Tamela Mann Celebrate Ebony "Black Love" Cover with Wedding Vow Renewal Event
-
Gaither Vocal Band's Buddy Mullins Drops His Solo Album "Fearless"
-
Story Behind Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord"
-
The Kingdom Heirs Build on a Classic Sound with “I Want To Live Like Jesus”
-
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards Reveals First Round Of Performers
Most Popular
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Tia Rachelle Returns with New Single “Get The Glory”
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Hulvey Announces New Album, "Cry," Due Out Sept. 13
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Randall Goodgame's "Scripture Hymnal" Unveils a Treasury of Bible Songs
-
Jordan Feliz Shares Details of His Upcoming Album "Everything Good"
-
Tamela Mann Releases Album "Live Breathe Fight" Oct. 11
-
David and Tamela Mann Celebrate Ebony "Black Love" Cover with Wedding Vow Renewal Event
-
Gaither Vocal Band's Buddy Mullins Drops His Solo Album "Fearless"
-
Story Behind Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord"
-
The Kingdom Heirs Build on a Classic Sound with “I Want To Live Like Jesus”
-
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards Reveals First Round Of Performers