ADDENDUM::Independent report finds allegations against Willow Creek founder Bill Hybels credible - Religion News Service

The allegations of “sexually inappropriate words and actions” by Bill Hybels, the founder of Willow Creek Community Church, are credible, according to an independent group of Christian leaders advising the church.

Hybels’ alleged behavior, directed mostly at women connected to the Chicago-area megachurch, took place at various points during his more than four decades of leadership.

“The credibility of the allegations would have been sufficient for Willow Creek Community Church to initiate disciplinary action if Bill Hybels had continued as pastor of the church,” according to the report by the Willow Creek Independent Advisory Group.

The group’s report was posted online Thursday (Feb. 28) by Willow Creek Community Church and the Willow Creek Association.

Hybels stepped down from his roles with both the church and association early last year after allegations of misconduct surfaced against him. He has publicly and privately denied allegations of misconduct, according to the report.

Independent report finds allegations against Willow Creek founder Bill Hybels credible - Religion News Service

ADDENDUM::Willow Creek pastor, elders step down, admit mishandling allegations against Bill Hybels - Chicago Tribune

Answering critics' calls to let new leaders shepherd northwest suburban Willow Creek Community Church, lead pastor Heather Larson and other church elders resigned Wednesday and apologized for mishandling allegations that church founder Bill Hybels engaged in improper behavior with women.

Larson and the elders announced their resignations Wednesday evening during a packed congregational meeting at the church’s South Barrington campus. Audience members applauded the elders’ decision. But some people audibly groaned over Larson’s announcement, and one even approached the stage in protest.

Willow Creek pastor, elders step down, admit mishandling allegations against Bill Hybels - Chicago Tribune

ADDENDUM::Steve Carter | Blog RE:Willow Creek Community Church, Bill Hybels

Again thanks to DH for the update,,, "I mentioned earlier today that another story came out about Bill Hybels sexually harassing a woman pretty much into despair...now the teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, Bill Hybels' handpicked successor Steve Carter, he's resigned with
immediate effect. "

I am writing to announce my resignation from Willow Creek Community Church, effective immediately.

The new facts and allegations that came to light this morning are horrifying, and my heart goes out to Ms. Baranowski and her family for the pain they have lived with. These most recent revelations have also compelled me to make public my decision to leave, as much as it grieves me to go.

Since the first women came forward with their stories, I have been gravely concerned about our church’s official response, and it’s ongoing approach to these painful issues. After many frank conversations with our elders, it became clear that there is a fundamental difference in judgment between what I believe is necessary for Willow Creek to move in a positive direction, and what they think is best,,,

Steve Carter | Blog

See also:: He’s a Superstar Pastor. She Worked for Him and Says He Groped Her Repeatedly

ADDENDUM::Willow Creek elders apologize for casting doubt on women's allegations against founder Hybels - Chicago Tribune

The highest-ranking elder of northwest suburban Willow Creek Community Church told the congregation Wednesday that elders owe apologies to women who made allegations of misconduct against church founder Bill Hybels.

Pam Orr, the outgoing chair of the church’s elder board, said it has been the elders’ “top priority” to reach out to women who have come forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior.

“We have talked to several of them and are deeply saddened by the experiences they are sharing with us,” Orr told the congregation during a midweek worship service. “We do believe that we owe these women some apologies. The tone of our first response had too much emphasis on defending Bill and cast some of the women in an unfair and negative light. We are sorry.”

In a reversal, Orr also apologized for initial statements that called the allegations lies and castigated former senior leaders of the church who called for a more robust investigation.

Willow Creek elders apologize for casting doubt on women's allegations against founder Hybels - Chicago Tribune

After years of inquiries, Willow Creek pastor denies misconduct allegations - Chicago Tribune

Last October, the Rev. Bill Hybels stood before worshippers at his packed sanctuary and made a stunning announcement. After 42 years building northwest suburban Willow Creek Community Church into one of the nation’s most iconic and influential churches, Hybels was planning to step down as senior pastor.

“I feel released from this role,” he said, adding that he felt called to build on Willow Creek's reach across 130 countries with a focus on leadership development, particularly in the poorest regions of the world.

After introducing his successors, he invited church elders onstage at the expansive church to lay hands on them and pray.

What much of the church didn’t know was that Hybels had been the subject of inquiries into claims that he ran afoul of church teachings by engaging in inappropriate behavior with women in his congregation — including employees — allegedly spanning decades. The inquiries had cleared Hybels, and church leaders said his exit had nothing to do with the allegations.

An investigation by the Chicago Tribune examined those allegations and other claims of inappropriate behavior by Hybels, documented through interviews with current and former church members, elders and employees, as well as hundreds of emails and internal records.

The alleged behavior included suggestive comments, extended hugs, an unwanted kiss and invitations to hotel rooms. It also included an allegation of a prolonged consensual affair with a married woman who later said her claim about the affair was not true, the Tribune found.

After years of inquiries, Willow Creek pastor denies misconduct allegations - Chicago Tribune

See also::  Bill Hybels Accused of Sexual Misconduct by Former Willow Creek Leaders