Andrew Wilkie Accuses Hillsong of Violating Financial Laws as Critics Question Church’s Charity and Leadership

Hillsong was founded in the 1980s in Sydney’s northwest suburbs. It grew into one of Australia’s most influential religious exports, and its music earned multiple Grammy awards. Celebrities including Justin Bieber and Vanessa Hudgens were among its members.

In recent years, allegations have been made against Hillsong, including trauma, abuse, fraud, cover-ups and exploitation. The sources describe these as allegations rather than established findings. They culminated in the resignation of founder Brian Houston in 2022. The church has also faced scrutiny from FX’s documentary series *The Secrets of Hillsong* and the Herald Sun’s podcast *Faith on Trial*.

Simon Smart of the Centre for Public Christianity told ABC Religion & Ethics that all Christian denominations have experienced both positive and negative developments throughout history. He argued that celebrity culture has harmed the church by shifting its focus from spiritual growth to public image.

ABC Religion & Ethics also examined Hillsong through *Prosper*, a Stan Original series that offers a fictionalized portrayal of the church’s rise and challenges. In the series, a pastor, Cal Quinn, modeled on Brian Houston, tries to persuade his son Jed to take part in the church’s annual Sleep Out fundraiser for the homeless. Jed resists, noting that the event’s opulent setting, including $1,500 Gore-Tex sleeping bags and corporate sponsors, was not his idea. The series also depicts Cal Quinn’s lifestyle, marked by a waterfront mansion, helicopter travel and lavish parties, which the commentary says reflects a culture that prioritizes wealth and social status.

Investigative journalist David Hardaker, in his book *Mine is the Kingdom*, describes Hillsong’s services as a “showcase of power.” Critics argue that the church’s wealth, which comes from its congregation and government support, is used not only for charitable causes but also to reward its leaders. Caring for people in need is a call to open-handed generosity (Isaiah 58:7).

In March, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie accused Hillsong of violating financial laws in Australia and other countries, citing documents from a whistleblower. Wilkie claimed that followers believe their donations go to the poor, and that the church’s financial practices may not align with that perception. These are Wilkie’s claims, and the sources do not report a finding on them.