August 9th 2024.
In a recent legal case, the head of global operations at Hillsong, a well-known mega-church, will be giving evidence about the church's handling of an indecent assault committed by one of its worship leaders. This comes after 26-year-old Anna Crenshaw filed a lawsuit against Hillsong and a church college, claiming that she suffered psychiatric distress after being assaulted by ex-staff member Jason Mays in 2016. She alleges that the church failed to protect her and provide support in the years following the incident.
The case has been ongoing, and during a hearing at the NSW Supreme Court last Friday, both parties agreed to file a further amended statement of claim. This was after a dispute arose over the church's liability for the assault. Nick Galanopoulos, the lawyer representing Hillsong, stated that the church's global general manager, George Aghajanian, will provide written evidence when the case goes to trial. At the time of the assault, Aghajanian held a national leadership role with the church. Margaret Aghajanian, the former head of pastoral care and George's wife, is also expected to give evidence. She was the first person to receive the complaint from Crenshaw.
Samantha Camilleri, Crenshaw's lawyer, stated that they are ready for the trial and will be presenting evidence from Crenshaw, three other lay witnesses, and two medical experts. According to the court documents, Crenshaw came to Australia in 2016 to study theology at the college. During a gathering at a home after attending a Hillsong service, Mays allegedly placed his hand on Crenshaw's thigh and later kissed and fondled her. The claim also states that several other church members were present and witnessed the assault.
Crenshaw did not report the incident to Hillsong until 2018, and it was eventually reported to the police in 2019. Mays had previously pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting Crenshaw and was placed on a good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded against him. According to Crenshaw's claim, Mays was placed on paid leave after she reported the assault, but was later returned to a role as creative director at the church's music publishing arm. She also claims that she was assigned to work in a team with Mays' wife.
The case is set to return to court for a further directions hearing in December. For those seeking support, resources are available through Lifeline and Beyond Blue. The National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service can also provide assistance.
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