Hillsong Drops Mark Driscoll from Its Conferences

Eight months ago popular preacher and writer Mark Driscoll reigned from Seattle's megachurch the now dysfunctional Mars Hill Church, he was initially scheduled to be interviewed by Hillsong Church's senior pastor Brian Houston at their Sydney and London Conferences. Due to Driscoll's domineering leadership style, accusations of palgarism, and his misappropriation of his former church's funds, many have petitioned against Hillsong Church to drop Driscoll from the conference. On Sunday, Brian Houston via the church's website, has announced that the Australian church has dropped Driscoll from being interviewed.
"The teachings of Christ are based on love and forgiveness, and I will not write off Mark as a person simply because of the things that people have said about him ... for which he has since repeatedly apologized," wrote Houston on Hillsong's website.
"However, I do not want unnecessary distractions during our conference," he wrote. "... It was clear to me that Mark's attendance had the potential to divert attention from the real purpose of Hillsong Conference, which is to see people leave encouraged in their own spiritual journey."
A petition asking for Driscoll to be removed had garnered more than 3,000 signatures.
Earlier, Houston had explained why Driscoll was invited for an interview:
So why am I using our platform to interview Mark? We come from different backgrounds, theological positions, and church expressions. I genuinely want to know! Did he really say those things? Does he believe those things? Does he have any regrets? Has he been misrepresented? What has he learned and what can we all learn? And where to from here?
...
A lot has been said. There's lessons to be learned. I'm looking forward to asking the questions and hearing from Mark directly. Will we agree afterwards or agree to disagree? Time will tell. I doubt we will agree on everything, but everyone deserves an opportunity to be heard. ... Let's see what he has to say.
Tags : hillsong church Hillsong hillsong conference mark driscoll Mars Hill Church Brian Houston mark driscoll resignation mark driscoll news
Hot Trends
-
Matt Maher Reveals How Johnny Cash & Roy Orbison Inspired His New Song
-
TAYA Shares the Story Behind Her New Song “Worship!”
-
Franni Cash, Formerly of We The Kingdom, Signs with Capitol CMG
-
The LeFevre Quartet Announces 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Paul Harkey of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Has a Baby Boy
-
Jonathan Chu Leaves Skillet
-
Barbara Mandrell to Release Gospel Album Digitally; Releases New Single Today
-
Here Are Lyrics to Charity Gayle's "Name Above All Names"
-
Hillsong's Benjamin Hastings Talks About His New Song "The Jesus I Know"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Matty Mullins Takes the Postion of Lead Vocalist for Anberlin's 2024 Tour
-
Holly Elaine McGruder, Daughter of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Critic's Choices: Glen Campbell's Best Christian Songs
Most Popular
-
Matt Maher Reveals How Johnny Cash & Roy Orbison Inspired His New Song
-
TAYA Shares the Story Behind Her New Song “Worship!”
-
Franni Cash, Formerly of We The Kingdom, Signs with Capitol CMG
-
The LeFevre Quartet Announces 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Paul Harkey of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Has a Baby Boy
-
Jonathan Chu Leaves Skillet
-
Barbara Mandrell to Release Gospel Album Digitally; Releases New Single Today
-
Here Are Lyrics to Charity Gayle's "Name Above All Names"
-
Hillsong's Benjamin Hastings Talks About His New Song "The Jesus I Know"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Matty Mullins Takes the Postion of Lead Vocalist for Anberlin's 2024 Tour
-
Holly Elaine McGruder, Daughter of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Critic's Choices: Glen Campbell's Best Christian Songs