Former Australian Megachurch Pastor Admits Scandal
Corey Turner confesses his extramarital affair on social media.
Recently resigned pastor Corey Turner of Neuma Church in Australia took to social media earlier this week to confess an extramarital affair with another woman from his church’s leadership team.
Turner and his wife Simone abruptly resigned on Feb. 4 from their roles as senior pastors of Neuma Church, a multi-site Pentecostal megachurch based out of Melbourne, Australia. In identical posts on Instagram and Facebook, Turner broke his silence via a 400-word statement explaining the situation.
“It’s important that I publicly confess that the recent allegation towards me of my engagement in a morally inappropriate relationship is regrettably true,” Turner said.
The former pastor, who has been in ministry for nearly two decades, says he is “deeply sorry and repentant” and blames the scandal on “compounding levels of fatigue” and a “fog of deception” that clouded his emotions and judgment.
“I didn’t sufficiently guard my heart, reach out for help from trusted spiritual fathers, take decisive action or get the necessary rest I needed,” Turner said. “I have sinned against God, my family, and the church.”
Turner went on to praise his wife and children who have “faithfully stood beside” him through the scandal.
“Simone was innocent, I am not,” Turner said. “Yet we are committed to moving forward together into the fulness (sic) of God’s restorative plan for our marriage.”
Stacey Hilliar, the woman Turner admits to having an affair with, was a fellow pastor. She also resigned, according to a statement released by the Neuma Church Board on Feb. 9.
The affair came to light when a member of the church accused Turner and Hilliar of “an inappropriate relationship,” according to the statement. Under the circumstances, the board accepted their resignations and agreed to cooperate with Australian Christian Churches (ACC) in the process of investigation.
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Neuma Church has 10 campuses across Australia, as well as one in Bangkok and another in San Francisco. The charismatic church has been compared to Hillsong Church, which has been mired in scandals of its own.
Going forward, Turner says he and his family are pursuing ways to heal.
“Together we are receiving the support and direction of seasoned and competent spiritual leaders as we take the necessary time for God to heal and restore us,” he said. “With the help of gifted counsellors, I am confronting the errors of my own heart and receiving ministry for the unhealed soul wounds that have contributed to my actions.”
Many commented on Turner’s post with encouraging words and promises of prayer, including Turner’s son, who said: “Proud of you dad!”
Main photo: Corey Turner / Photo via social media
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