This article contains references to sexual abuse.
Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston has been charged by NSW Police over the alleged concealment of alleged child sex offences.
In 2019, officers commenced an investigation attached to The Hills Police Area Command into reports the 67-year-old had knowingly concealed information relating to child sex offences.
"Police will allege in court the man knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police," NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday.
Mr Houston is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 5 October.
In a statement, he said he would defend the charges against him.
"These charges have come as a shock to me given how transparent I’ve always been about this matter," the statement said. "I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight."
Hillsong Church said it was "disappointed" by the charges.
"We are disappointed that Pastor Brian has been charged, and ask that he be afforded the presumption of innocence and due process as is his right," the church said in a statement. "He has advised us that he will defend this and looks forward to clearing his name."
Police first began investigating the matter in 2019.
They handed a brief of evidence to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which gave advice to police this week.
Mr Houston's lawyer received a court attendance notice for concealing a serious indictable offence on Thursday afternoon.
Last year, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed he had asked the White House to invite Houston to a state dinner in Washington the previous year.
The Wall Street Journal reported in 2019 Mr Morrison wanted Mr Houston to be with him at September’s Rose Garden State Dinner.
"It's all gossip," Mr Morrison said at the time.
In March 2020, Mr Morrison conceded Australia had in fact placed Houston's name on a suggested invitation list.
“On that occasion, we put forward a number of names that included Brian, but not everybody whose names we put forward were invited,” he told 2GB Radio.
“I’ve known Brian for a long time and Hillsong Church has a very big network of churches all across the United States ... it’s probably the single largest church organisation that is known in the United States.”
Anyone seeking information or support relating to sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.
With AAP.
