Australian politician and former whistleblower Andrew Wilkie has revealed financial records proving that Hillsong Church has been engaging in fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion in Australia and around the world. Documents show how church money was used for luxury trips, private jets, and business class flights by its leaders.
A whistleblower provided financial records and board papers showing that Hillsong is breaking laws relating to fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. The records also revealed former leader Brian Houston using church money to treat private jets like Ubers.
The Hillsong Church founder, Brian Houston, has been accused of sexual misconduct in two separate incidents. One of these incidents is alleged to have happened 10 years ago, while the other happened in 2019 during the Hillsong Conference.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) is looking into Hillsong's tax-exempt status amid criticism that the church is generating profits from its members' donations, while its defenders claim that the church is using the funds to support good works.
The speaker discusses his upbringing in a Pentecostal Christian family and the criticisms about Hillsong giving prominent positions to wealthy attendees.
A discussion about the hardworking staff behind the scenes at Hillsong who keep the organization running.