A FALL FROM GRACE

Credited with making Christianity cool, Hillsong megachurch has been rocked by a series of scandals 

- MAXINE PETERS

IT’S an institution that’s been called a leader in making Christianity cool for the modern age. No rigid pastors in three-piece suits with a Bible under their arm at this charismatic mega-church – over here leaders rock beanies, tattoos, Ray-Ban sunglasses and ripped jeans. 

Hillsong Church – which has churches in 30 countries – has attracted many followers and high-profile parishioners including the likes of singer Justin Bieber, actress Vanessa Hudgens and model Kendall Jenner with its come-as-you-are approach. 

But the church now has a heavy cross to bear as it faces bombshell allegations that officials have been misusing funds, laundering money and evading tax. 

Andrew Wilkie, an independent member of the Australian parliament, claims senior pastors were selling their souls and splashing cash on everything from business-class flights to private jets, designer gifts, custom skateboards and entertainment. 

Some of the luxury expenses listed in a leaked financial report include R81 250 on a Cartier watch and R31 250 on Louis Vuitton luggage. 

“Hillsong followers believe that the money they put in the poor box goes to the poor, but that money is actually used to do the kind of shopping that would embarrass a Kardashian,” Wilkie says. 

Hillsong’s global senior pastor, Phil Dooley, is the one under fire for buying the watch and paying for business-class flights for himself and his family. 

But the Australian pastor, who helped start Hillsong Church South Africa, says he made it clear to the board when he took on the position that he’d travel with his family to ensure their health and the strength of his marriage.