After Allegations of “Inappropriate Behavior,” an Influential Pastor Resigns

By Hemant Mehta

It was just a couple of weeks ago when we learned that the founder of the influential Willow Creek Community Church, Bill Hybels, was accused by multiple women of “inappropriate behavior” over the course of several decades.

The allegations were made by women he worked with, and they included a history of “suggestive comments, extended hugs, an unwanted kiss, and invitations to hotel rooms.” In addition, one woman claimed to have an affair with him… but when a church leader told her to share that story with people investigating these claims, she retracted everything.

Hybels has denied everything, even claiming former colleagues of his were conspiring against him (for some reason). A day after the Chicago Tribune story broke, he answered questions at the church in a moderated setting, vowed to fight back against the charges, and received a standing ovation from the congregation.

It’s not exactly the visual you want when your pastor is accused of harassment. (It’s also not the first time a congregation has stood up in defense of a pastor whose alleged actions were disturbing.)

Continue reading by clicking the name of the source below.