Hillsong's Atlanta pastor quits over scandals.
The pastor of Hillsong's Atlanta, Georgia, church has announced he is stepping down in the wake of successive scandals in the Australia-based denomination.
Sam Collier said on Instagram that the decision had been prompted by the scandals and Hillsong's management of them.
"My greatest reason for stepping down as Pastor of Hillsong Atlanta is probably not a secret to any of you. With all of the documentaries, scandals, articles, accusations and the church's subsequent management of these attacks it's become too difficult to lead and grow a young church in this environment," he said.
Collier was the first African American lead pastor at a Hillsong church and co-led the Atlanta branch with his wife Toni.
He said he "cried like a baby" after informing the leadership of his departure, but also said that he loved Hillsong and believed the Church would "get through this storm and come out better than they were before".
In another post, Collier added, "To be clear, we love Hillsong and the people in it. They are amazing people and have been good to us. CT.
