Hillsong Pastor Disputes Report that Gay Couple Leads Worship at NYC Church

Hillsong pastor Brian Houston has denied allegations that the megachurch has changed its stance on gay marriage and allows openly gay individuals to lead worship. Houston’s defense comes after a blog post claiming an gay couple leads the
worship choir at Hillsong NYC went viral.
According to a Facebook post promoting the blog by Geoffrey Grider, “Josh Canfield and Reed Kelly are a proudly-out homosexual couple who preach the gospel of the LGBT Agenda. They became 'engaged' last year and are planning a 'wedding' for sometime in 2016. They feel no conviction of any kind for the lifestyle they lead, and yet, shockingly, they are allowed to lead the worship choir during church services at Hillsong in New York City."
The post was shared on Facebook over 55,000 times, according to The Christian Post.
In his response, Houston did not specifically address Grider’s blog, but clearly stated the church’s position on homosexuality.

Houston wrote,

"I wish to correct reports that Hillsong church has 'an openly gay couple directing a choir' at our New York City campus. Hillsong's position on homosexuality and gay marriage has not changed and is consistent with Scripture. As I have stated previously, I believe the writings of Paul are clear on this subject. Several months ago when one of our choir directors made an unexpected public statement regarding his engagement to a man who sometimes sang in the choir, it was a complete surprise to us as well. It is my understanding that they have not been involved in an active leadership or ministry role since. That said, we still love them and acknowledge that they – like all of us – are on a journey, and our role as a church is to assist them on this journey with grace and compassion."