Hillsong Responds to Petition Not to Have Mark Driscoll on the Hillsong Conference

Hillsong Church has responded to Natalie Collins' petition asking Hillsong to remove Mark Driscoll from the schedule of Hillsong's London conference. After getting over 700 signatures, Hillsong does not appear to be swayed by the action.

This is the Australian mega-church's response: "Hillsong is aware of the petition. The whole point of keeping Mark (and Grace) Driscoll on the conference program is so Brian Houston can interview them about events of the past year.... I don't think that is 'cheap grace,' but rather, a thoughtful approach to challenging circumstances. I think it would be fair for the petitioners to judge this appearance after it takes place, but advance judgment seems premature and a bit unfair, in my view."

Concerns expressed by Collins include:

This is both disappointing and of great concern to many across the UK and internationally.  Mark Driscoll resigned from leadership after many leaders and other within his church raised issues about unethical and abusive behaviour including:

• Ex-leaders of Mars Hill Church repenting of their collusion with Mark Driscoll

• Ex-members of Mars Hill reporting they have experienced spiritual abuse from Mars Hill and Mark Driscoll, including controlling and manipulative behaviour

• Evidence of plagiarism in at least one book he has written

• Misuse of tithes by Mars Hill Church

• Unethical actions taken to ensure Grace and Mark Driscoll's book was featured on a bestselling book list

• Mark Driscoll's public statements against women in leadership over the last two decades which have greatly undermined the Gospel message of women as leaders, evangelists and full members of the Body of Christ

For her part, Natalie Collins will continue to promote the petition, telling me that the statement is "disappointing" but that she plans to continue pressing the petition with Hillsong.

 

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