In 2021, Hillsong Church’s complex in Australia was rocked — and publicly outraged — when two women accused church associates of assault. Anna Crenshaw, an American student who attended Hillsong College in Australia, told the Christian Post that shortly after her arrival in 2016, she was assaulted by Jason Mays, a Hillsong administrator, singer, and son of the church’s Human Resources leader. Crenshaw says Mays attempted to touch her genitals and pelvic region, and kissed her stomach, all with force and without consent. She reported the incident to the pastoral care oversight department, who insisted that Mays was a decent person and his actions an aberration. Crenshaw recounted her story on “60 Minutes Australia,” recalling that after the attack, Mays was promoted and the church took five months to report the crime to police, and only after the intervention of Crenshaw’s father. Mays pleaded guilty to assault with an act of indecency.
The “60 Minutes Australia” report also included the testimony of a former Hillsong Melbourne East youth leader identified as “Katherine.” She alleges a sexual assault by a church member in 2018. When Katherine reported it to a pastor, he declined to listen. “That’s not for my ears to hear. You got to sort that out with him,” she recalled being told. It wasn’t until 2021 that Hillsong referred the matter to the police.
According to Australia’s News.com, Hillsong responded to the “60 Minutes” report, labeling the story “gutter journalism at its finest.”
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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