Hillsong leader Brian Houston charged over the concealment of alleged child sex offences

ABC News, Australia/August 4, 2021

By Mark Reddie

Hillsong founder Brian Houston has been charged with allegedly concealing information about child sexual abuse following a two-year investigation.

Sources close to the investigation have revealed Mr Houston, 67, is accused of failing to report the historic alleged abuse of a young male by his late father — Frank Houston.

"Police will allege in court the man knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police," a NSW Police spokesperson said.

Detectives served his lawyer with a court attendance notice, which requires the pastor to appear before a Sydney magistrate at the Downing Centre on October 5.

Brian Houston has been charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.

The evangelist has been based in the United States for several months despite the Australian border being closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Houston preached at a service in Mexico last month.

On Sunday, Mr Houston gave a sermon from California, which was streamed live.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse heard Frank Houston admitted to the abuse, which took place in Australia and New Zealand several decades ago.

Frank Houston was allowed to retire from the church before the abuse became public.

He died in 2004.

Mr Houston has since released a statement stating he would "set the record straight", concerning the allegations.

"These charges have come as a shock to me," he said.

"I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight."

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