Hillsong's Brian Houston Says He Will Continue to Preach Biblical Marriage Despite Australia's Same-Sex Marriage Vote

After Australia voted to legalize same sex marriage, Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston said he will continue to hold to a Biblical definition of marriage and "point people to Jesus."

"I believe every person is created by God with a plan and purpose, and the focus of Hillsong Church has always been - and will always be - to point people to Jesus," Houston said in a statement.

"My personal belief in the Bible's teachings on marriage will not change, and the work of our church will continue as usual as it does in many parts of the world where same sex marriage is legal," he continued. "It is vital however, that legislation protects the rights of churches, pastors and others to hold contrary beliefs based on the traditional teachings of scripture. Freedom of religion is a fundamental part of a democratic society and must be upheld. Any attempt to force Christians to compromise their faith would be wrong."

Brian Houston
Brian Houston Brian Houston

Last week, Australians supported gay marriage in a non-binding postal survey, ensuring Parliament will consider legalizing same-sex weddings this year. The postal survey - a $122 million endeavor - asked a single question - "Do you support a change in the law to allow same-sex couples to marry?" - and that question can only be answered with a "Yes" or a "No".

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday 62 per cent of registered voters who responded in the unprecedented mail survey favored legalizing gay marriage. In response, the The government promised to allow a bill creating marriage equality to be considered in Parliament in the final two-week session that is due to end on Dec. 7.

"The people of Australia have spoken, and I intend to make their wish the law of the land by Christmas," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said. "This is an overwhelming call for marriage equality."

As Australia "moves forward as a nation" and put what has been a "divisive debate behind us," Houston said his prayer is that the country replaces "anger, criticism, hatred and intolerance with love, understanding, acceptance and kindness."

"Jesus taught us that holding firm to our convictions, and respecting and appreciating other people who hold different views, are not mutually exclusive," he said.

Brian and Bobbie Houston founded Hillsong Church in 1983. Since then, church has developed an ever-expanding footprint that circle the globe, with three U.S. sites - in and around New York City, Los Angeles and most recently in Phoenix, Arizona. Hillsong's reach extends across 14 countries and five continents, and it boasts an average weekly attendance worldwide near 100,000, according to its website.

When the same-sex marriage postal survey was first announced, Houston urged Christians to participate in the vote and issued a reminder that "God's word is clear that marriage is between a man and a woman."

"Whatever your view on this issue, it is undeniably one that is important to the fabric of our social structure. Changing the definition of marriage has wide-reaching ramifications and should not be taken lightly by any society," the pastor wrote at the time.

"All Australians should be a part of this process, not just a select few," he added. "I believe God's word is clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. The writings of the apostle Paul in Scripture on the subject of homosexuality are also clear, as I have mentioned in previous public statements."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.