Megachurch Hillsong is continuing to consolidate its UK presence with the purchase of a former theatre in London’s Golders Green. The international Hillsong Church, which originated in Australia in 1983, now has some 12 branches in the UK and intends to holds Sunday services in the theatre.
The sale to Hillsong follows a planning dispute over whether the Grade II-listed Golders Green Hippodrome should be used as an Islamic centre. That plan was dropped.
Hillsong Church was founded by Brian Houston, who was charged in August with concealing sexual abuse against children allegedly carried out by his late father, Frank Houston. He has denied the charges.
The church is well known for its so-called celebrity culture and was recently criticised for advertising ‘VIP tickets’ for a concert with worship singer Chris Tomlin and the Hillsong United worship band.
The VIP option has now been removed in all but name. However, tickets that include much the same as offered under the VIP option are now called ‘Experiences’ – at up to nearly $300 apiece.
