Court documents obtained by The Christian Post revealed Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston was “blackout drunk” during his arrest for driving under the influence on February 26, 2022, just weeks before he resigned as global senior pastor of Hillsong Church.
Records from the Superior Court of California in Orange County show that Houston had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.20% or more, which is classified as the “blackout drunk” stage by addiction experts.
Houston pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on June 13. If convicted, Houston may be required to complete a nine-month alcohol education program, attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet and face other penalties.
Last week, Houston shared a statement on social media admitting that his decision to drive drunk was “foolish.”
“I made the foolish decision to drive just 2 or 3 hundred meters (yards) to park the car and I am grateful to God that no damage or injury occurred,” Houston 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.
“Thirteen months have past (sic) since that incident occurred and I am now in a much stronger place within my spirit and soul,” he continued. “I am grateful to God for his sustenance and grace, and I am grateful for trusted ministry friends who, along with Bobbie and our family, have offered their constant love and support in a very difficult and disruptive season. We are looking forward together to a fruitful season ahead.”
However, the arrest is not the only legal issue Houston is currently facing. In March 2022, he resigned as global senior pastor of Hillsong Church following revelations of inappropriate interactions with two different women that violated the church’s code of conduct. Houston is also facing an ongoing legal battle against allegations he hid his father’s sexual abuse of a young boy and shielded him from criminal prosecution.
