Hillsong Church's founder and former global senior pastor Brian Houston was charged in Orange County, California, in February 2022, for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was caught after recording a blood alcohol reading of 0.08, according to court records obtained by The Daily Telegraph.
Houston posted a statement on Instagram saying the incident occurred in the lead-up to his resignation as head of the evangelical church. "I made the foolish decision to drive just two or three hundred metres to park the car and I am grateful to God that no damage or injury occurred," he wrote.
"At the time it seemed like all hell had broken loose within Hillsong Church and I was under immense pressure and emotional strain. "Clearly that is not an excuse and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am now in a much stronger place within my spirit and soul," he said.
A statement from Hillsong said the church had recently been made aware of the charges. "The global board and leadership of Hillsong Church did not become aware that Pastor Brian Houston had been charged in the USA for driving under the influence until after he had resigned as pastor of Hillsong," a statement from the church said.
"As he was no longer on staff, this was a personal matter for Pastor Brian to deal with. As always we continue to keep the Houston family in our prayers."
