Hillsong founder Brian Houston launches an investigation into 'inner workings' of the mega-church's New York chapter after pastor Carl Lentz was sacked for cheating on his Australian wife
Hillsong founder Brian Houston has launched an investigation into the 'inner workings' of the mega-church's New York chapter after sacking pastor Carl Lentz for cheating on his wife.
Lentz, 42, who co-founded the New York City branch of the Australian church back in 2010, was uncerimoniously terminated for 'moral failures' and 'breaches of trust' on November 4.
Hours later, Lentz admitted to cheating on his wife Laura, whom he married in 2003 after meeting her at the church's International Leadership College in Sydney, and took 'full responsibility' for his actions.
Houston, who founded the church in Sydney's western suburbs in 1983, announced on Twitter an investigation would be carried out.
'We are launching an independent investigation into the inner workings of Hillsong NYC/ East Coast,' he wrote on Thursday.
'We need a solid foundation for a fresh start and new beginning.
'The best is yet to come.'
Houston, who founded the church in Sydney's western suburbs in 1983, announced on Twitter an investigation would be carried out
In a statement, Houston (pictured) revealed Lentz was sacked over alleged 'moral failures' and 'breaches of trust' on November 4
Lentz had a five-month-long affair with 34-year-old fashion designer Ranin Karim after meeting her in Domino Park, Williamsburg, in May.
Over the last week, Ms Karim gave multiple interviews describing their 'deep, sexual' connection which involved him going to her home to drink 'so much' tequila, FaceTiming when they weren't together and arguing.
Hillsong Church East Coast advised the congregation the pastor's employment had been terminated on November 4.
'This action was not taken lightly and was done in the best interests of everyone, including Pastor Carl,' Houston said in a statement.
'We thank Pastors Carl and Laura for the way they have served faithfully and sacrificially since the start of Hillsong NYC and for contributing so significantly to the countless lives that have been transformed for Jesus Christ through this ministry.
'They have a heart for people and we are confident that after a time of rest and restoration, God will use Carl in another way outside of Hillsong church.
Lentz with Justin Bieber and Usher in 2014, sitting courtside at a Knicks game in Ohio
Laura Lentz with Hailey Bieber, at the Bieber wedding last year. The pair have now unfollowed each other on Instagram, as have their husbands, in a sign that their friendship is over following news of the affair
'In terminating his tenure, we in no way want to diminish the good work he did here.
'This action has been taken following ongoing discussions in relation to leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures.'
Houston said it would not be appropriate to go into detail about the events that led to the decision.
But the following day, Lentz took to Instagram to divulge more information.
'I was unfaithful in my marriage, the most important relationship in my life and held accountable for that,' he said.
'This failure is on me, and me alone and I take full responsibility for my actions.
'I now begin a journey of rebuilding trust with my wife, Laura and my children and taking real time to work on and heal my own life and seek out the help that I need.'
Lentz has been married to Laura for 17 years and she appears to be standing by him despite also being ousted by the church.
The pastor with Oprah after they filmed an interview for his Soul Sunday series
It raises the question of how or if the pair - who live in a $1.5million New Jersey home and travel the world with their well-heeled friends, attending courtside basketball games and glamorous parties - will be able to keep up their life of luxury.
Among the friends they have made through Hillsong are Hailey and Justin Bieber, whose wedding they attended with their children and who they often had at their home in Montclair, New Jersey.
After news of the affair emerged this week, Hailey unfollowed the married couple on Instagram. Justin followed suit and now the Lentz's have unfollowed them too.
While the Biebers were their most famous friends, Lentz and Laura have mingled with countless celebrities over the years after being introduced to them through the church. He's been seen with the Kardashians, Drake, Vanessa Hudgens, and various NBA stars.
Lentz grew up in Virginia then went to Australia after graduating high school. That is where he was introduced to Hillsong and met its founder.
In 2003, he returned to the US with Laura to set up Hillsong in New York City.
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