When followers of Hillsong, a Pentecostal church, became disenchanted with Brian Houston, the global senior pastor, they raised their concerns with David Hardaker, the investigations editor at Crikey.
In 2023 Andrew Wilkie tabled 25 000 documents in parliament, revealing the inner workings of the church dating back 15 years. This book is the result of the documents and interviewing members and former members.
It analyses the reasons why Hillsong became popular and wealthy but then crashed. The wealth came from tithes and donations and the strategy of maximising income, minimising expenditure. The immoderate use of other people’s voluntary work was also a major factor.
The church did sponsor social projects. But a proportion of the cash paid by the congregation was being syphoned off to buy gifts for the upper hierarchy.
This could be done secretly because of the lack of transparency.
The book highlights that the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission lacks the staff to be effective and that the disclosure requirements in the legislation covering religious organisations are flawed. The two major political parties are reluctant to review and revise as they are fearful of losing the ‘religious’ vote.
Mine Is the Kingdom deserves praise for exposing the disgraceful behaviour that can happen when there’s no transparency. Stronger legislation and stricter supervision are essential.
Reviewed by Clive Hodges
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Hardaker has an extensive career as a journalist and broadcaster, primarily at the ABC where he worked on flagship programs such as Four Corners, 7.30, Foreign Correspondent, AM and PM.
He spent eight years reporting in the Middle East and can speak Arabic.
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