“Brian Houston Cleared of Father’s Cover-Up in Hillsong Case: Seeking Clarity and Accountability”

Hillsong Founder Brian Houston Acquitted: The Question of Accountability

By | August 17, 2023

The founder of the global megachurch Hillsong, Brian Houston, has been acquitted in a Sydney court over charges
arising from his decision not to report his paedophile father to police. Houston pleaded not guilty and stood
trial on one count of concealing a serious indictable offence of another person, for allegedly failing to report
to police his father Frank’s confession to repeatedly sexually assaulting and raping a young boy who was a
member of a church where he preached. Frank Houston confessed his offending to his son, Brian, in 1999. Brian
Houston reported it to senior members of the church but not to police. Frank Houston died in 2004 and was never
charged.

The case raises important questions of accountability and the responsibility of individuals in positions of
power, particularly within religious institutions. Brian Houston has conceded that he has learned of other
offending by his father, acknowledging that his father was a “serial paedophile.” However, Houston maintains
that he had a “reasonable excuse” for not reporting his father’s crimes to the police, claiming that it was in
keeping with the victim’s wishes. Houston argues that the victim explicitly told him he did not want the matter
reported.

The Victim’s Testimony

During the trial, the victim of Frank Houston’s sexual abuse, Brett Sengstock, testified that the abuse began
when he was just seven years old and escalated over the years. Sengstock recounted the horrifying experiences,
including multiple instances of rape by the senior pastor in his Sydney home. However, despite Houston’s claims,
Sengstock stated that he never explicitly told Brian Houston that he did not want the matter reported to the
police.

The Magistrate’s Verdict

Magistrate Gareth Christofi, in delivering the verdict, stated that there was little doubt that Brian Houston
knew that the victim did not want the matter reported to the police. Christofi concluded that Houston had a
“reasonable excuse” for not bringing the matter to the attention of law enforcement. Prosecutors had argued
otherwise, suggesting that Houston’s motive for not reporting his father’s crimes was to protect the reputation
of the church and his family. However, the magistrate rejected this argument.

A Question of Accountability

While Brian Houston has been acquitted of the charges, the case raises broader questions about the accountability
of religious leaders and the need for transparency within religious institutions. The role of religious leaders
in reporting crimes, particularly those involving sexual abuse, is of significant public interest. Churches have
a duty to protect their members, and society expects them to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
Failure to do so can undermine trust in religious institutions and perpetuate a cycle of abuse.

It is essential for religious organizations to have clear protocols and guidelines for the reporting of
criminal activity committed by their members, including leaders. These protocols should prioritize the safety
and well-being of victims and encourage the reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities. Religious
leaders must be held accountable for their actions and should not be exempt from legal and moral obligations.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

The acquittal of Brian Houston does not absolve Hillsong Church and its leaders from their obligations to
ensure that justice is served and victims are supported. This case should serve as a wake-up call for religious
institutions to reevaluate their policies and practices. Building a culture of accountability and transparency
can help prevent future instances of abuse and ensure that victims receive the support they need.

Additionally, it is crucial for survivors of abuse to be heard and believed. Their voices must be central in any
discussion about preventing and addressing sexual abuse within religious institutions. Their experiences and
insights are invaluable in shaping policies and practices that can effectively protect vulnerable individuals
and hold perpetrators accountable.

In Conclusion

The acquittal of Brian Houston in the case of concealing his father’s crimes brings attention to the wider issue
of accountability within religious institutions. It is a reminder that no individual, regardless of their status
or position, should be exempt from the obligation to report criminal offenses. Clear guidelines, protocols, and
a commitment to transparency are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of religious
communities. Only through these measures can we address the systemic issues that perpetuate abuse and create
environments where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.