A few years ago, Hillsong Church was a byword for glitzy and empowering faith.

The global megachurch, which started in Sydney with one small congregation, was the church to the stars. Everyone from Justin Bieber to Chris Pratt worshipped at the church known for its rock concert-like services and gleaming pastors who sported gold watches.

But in the last two years, the megachurch has been rocked by a series of explosive allegations. Tax evasion. A pastor fired for infidelity. And, worst of all, an alleged cover-up of the paedophilia committed by the church’s co-founder, Brian Houston.

Today, onetime megachurch member Cherie Gilmour on the growing number of so-called “megachurch refugees”, and the lasting emotional fallout.

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