As for Brian Houston making a comeback, it’s going to depend on the trial. Based on what I have read, lower courts have a general “no recordings, photographs, or filming” rule. The Aussie press has to be very careful not to go too far in reporting on an active case, or the judge might slap a gag order (pretty much a no-go in the USA due to the 1st Amendment) on everyone involved.

That said, I expect that the footage taken during the Royal Commission will be played in court (so as to impeach Houston), and that can be broadcast, as in “Today the jury in the Houston case heard Houston’s testimony from the Royal Commission and the prosecution proceeded to examine Houston about his statements.” Or something. A lot of people have probably NOT seen that footage.

Muslin, fka Dee Holmes: a “Celebrity Centre” vibe. (Celebrities do “services” at a Celebrity Centre, rather than just going to the org like the plebians.)

That’s Scientology all right.

So…

Wonder who is the Hillsong Tom Cruise?

Will there be Leah Remini and Mike Rinder doc and podcast reveals? Who is going to emerge from the inside?

If Houston needs restoration, he can go to Robert Morris who will restore anyone.

If not, the rest of the family will pull enough of the pew-sitter’s money out of the family business that Brian will never have to work again.

American evangelicalism has two strains now – the get-rich-quick magapastors and megachurches, and the “fundier than thou” heavily armed “Christian” nationalists. As a spiritual movement, it’s dead. It’s been dead for a while, it only doesn’t know yet. A zombie.

Gus: get-rich-quick magapastors and megachurches, and the “fundier than thou” heavily armed “Christian” nationalists.

1. Get-rich-quick megas are in plain sight. Got it. Big stage, big money, big donors.
2. Fundier-than-thou armed xian nationalists… what’s so fundy about getting on the Houston Chronicle’s list of pervs and pedos? The more fundy, the more predatory.

Another list of two:
1. Deceit
2. Arrogance or pride or better-than-thou…
(Deadly. The two things God hates.)

He is very much the pastor I believe him to be. I’ve read about his actions!

With relevance to how victims and survivors are treated a man called Prosper Keating has obtained a record out of court settlement from Ealing Abbey. Prosper testified in the conviction of their former abbot who went on the run from the police across Europe for years. He also was involved in the IICSA hearings about Benedictines. He went ahead with his claim largely because of the abbey gaslighting him. He was supported by Richard Scorer, who is Britain’s leading child abuse compensation lawyer and has written a very interesting book about the RC church. The sum isn’t disclosed (and will certainly appear tiny to Americans because we don’t have punitive damages here) however the abbey’s insurers tried to reduce the compensation and since the church has learned absolutely nothing (see link below) making them uninsurable certainly is a way forward in forcing them to change.
Prosper is an absolute legend and inspiration.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/users/6241416cad6a42001235ce58

The apology starts off well— he’s deeply sorry— and goes downhillsong from there. He’s sorry for “actions” pain hurt letdown imperfections flaws and mistakes (which he’s determined will not define him). He’s sorry his wife has to let go of a lot of stuff which is precious to her. And his family has to navigate waters for a season. All this would be done if he were an ordinary celebrity. But he’s a religious leader. He’s the founder/CEO of a global denomination, for cryin’ our loud. He’s like Henry VIIi, except for lopping off heads of enemies and wives. NO religious terms like sins; transgressions, or iniquities. The only religious paragraph is to quote verses about forgiveness and mercy.
Then he gets to the very best part:
“Over many years of constant pressure, opposition, challenges, and attacks” he somehow managed to cope, except it drove him to drinking. Implied is anyone who disagreed with him— they made him do it!

“I think Houston believes that he will “come back.” Do you think he will?” (Dee)

I have no doubt about it. There is a great multitude of churchgoers who desire a pastor who lives and behaves no better than they do … it makes them feel better about themselves. The darker pastor’s past, the more stains on their ministry resume, the better. The last thing these folks want is a pure and holy pulpit.

“He’s sorry, blah, blah blah…”

With church leaders’ misdeeds, the problem for the church at large is:

When does the Holy Spirit exit their ministry? And if the Holy Spirit is not in it, it’s neither a ministry nor church (see Acts 1-2).

Does the Holy Spirit leave when they chase after women? Children or minors? Pool boys? Substance abuse? Misuse of funds? Ego trips & abuse of staff?

No one is leading others to Jesus when they don’t follow Jesus themselves. They’re not making disciples when they are not disciples. (Reference to the Great Commission and the first disciples.)

The Bible documents when God exits a leader’s life, like King Saul, for example. He became a murderer. Not pretty. No fun.

Neil Cameron (One Salient Oversight): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-06/hillsong-property-empire-“Pentecostal juggernaut” … “Houston threatened to open a rival Hillsong church in Kyiv” … “can make things very difficult for you with the American authorities” … “Basically [Brian Houston] said … ‘This church is mine. I will make your life small. I will squash it'” … “They controlled everything” … “Houston began to challenge their independence” … “They cut our emails, they cut our database, they cut us from the server” … “asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement” … “didn’t agree to its terms and refused to sign it. ‘They excommunicated us'”

Manipulation, intimidation and domination are not gifts of the Holy Spirit. Hillsong was a business to Houston, pure and simple. Millions were drawn into the Hillsong cult by deception. Its leaders profited off the precious name of Jesus. Payday someday has arrived for Houston.

This is sickening. And if your “church” is still pumping in the money by doing Hillsong music, you have a choice. Do you support this? Let your pastor know you will either not attend and not give $$, or simply not give $$ as long as your church supports this guy by doing Hillsong music.

It is just another money changing racket. And like most addicts, Houston is denying his own guilt and blaming others, and playing the old card of “I did not do it but if I did they made me do it and it isn’t fair for me to be punished because no matter what I did if I did it I am perfect and guilt free.”

Real repentance is that you own up to and admit your sins, do all you can to stop them (granting no one is perfect), make the amends that you can, restore what you can, and recognize you are no longer fit for leadership.

linda: And like most addicts, Houston is denying his own guilt and blaming others

DARVO: DENY, ATTACK, REVERSE VICTIM AND OFFENDER.
Works best if wearing an Angel of Light Mask and have previously groomed allies.

readingalong: $$ is what they

Church as business as usual.

“Brian Houston Admits Has an Alcohol Problem”

Brian Houston has a pretender problem … Brian Houston has a charlatan problem … Brian Houston has a deception problem … Brian Houston has a sin problem.

How many Anointed Lead Pastors does it take to rule Hillsong?
One and a Fifth.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/09/hillsong-founder-brian-houston-says-megachurch-losing-its-soul-after-it-makes-his-wife-redundant

Consequences