Hillsong Worship withdraws from U.S. tour with Casting Crowns

After Hillsong Church co-founder Brian Houston recently resigned from leadership, the well-known worship band from Australia has stepped down from touring across America. 

In late March, Houston announced his resignation as lead pastor of the church due to complaints of inappropriate misconduct involving two women. Hillsong Worship was set to tour with Casting Crowns and We the Kingdom starting later this month but decided to step back from the spotlight for the time being. 

"Whilst we are deeply disappointed to have to make this difficult decision, we do feel that is the right one at this time in our history and the decision that, for us, requires the most faith," says the band in an official statement. 

The members that make up the band are all staff members or volunteers at the church.

"We are an extension of and expression of Hillsong Church – a collective of our local church worship teams. Right now, our church is walking through some difficult days and navigating significant change. Our community is hurting but hope-filled. With the full support and endorsement of our senior church leadership, we believe the decision not to go on tour this month is the one that puts the health and well-being of the people of our team first."

In the statement, Hillsong Worship encourages all the ticket holders for the upcoming tour to go and support Casting Crowns and We the Kingdom, and admit they feel like they're letting them down. 

"Our prayers are with the Hillsong Church as they walk through a really tough season," says Casting Crowns and We the Kingdom on social media. "Hillsong Worship is staying home and loving their people through tough times."

Houston's oldest son, Joel is a part of the Hillsong Worship band as well, alongside other recognized names like Brooke Fraser and Darlene Zschech.

"Now is the time for us to humbly seek the Lord, to grieve in hope and to heal in community, together. God bless you all. We truly look forward to worshipping with you again and celebrating what the Lord has done in our midst as we fully surrender to His will and purposes."