An email that founding pastor Brian Houston reportedly sent to Hillsong East Coast staff and members on Wednesday afternoon, November 4, announced the end of Pastor Carl Lentz as Senior Pastor of Hillsong New York.
The decision was reportedly made for «leadership issues and breach of trust, as well as a recent disclosure of moral flaws.» Houston wrote:
I know this will come as a shock to you, but please know that this action was not taken lightly and was done in the best interests of everyone, including Pastor Carl.
Please understand that it would not be appropriate for us to go into detail about the events that led to this decision. However you can be assured that this decision was made in order to honor God and pastorally care for you, our East Coast family, Pastor Carl and his family.
Lentz, 41, was one of the pastors GQ magazine described as «hype-priests» who lead churches frequented by celebrities. Friends and parishioners include Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey Baldwin Bieber, as well as the Jenner sisters.