Hillsong global boss to give evidence in assault claim

The head of global operations at mega-church Hillsong will give evidence over its handling of an indecent assault committed by one of its worship leaders.

Anna Crenshaw, 26, is suing Hillsong and a church college for the alleged psychiatric distress she experienced after being assaulted by ex-church staff member Jason Mays in 2016.

She claims the church failed to protect her from harm and ongoing psychiatric distress in the years after the incident.

During a NSW Supreme Court hearing on Friday, the parties agreed to a further amended statement of claim being filed after a dispute over the church's liability for the assault.

Hillsong signage (file image)
Hillsong's global boss will give evidence in a case stemming from a woman's indecent assault.

Hillsong lawyer Nick Galanopoulos said the church's global general manager, George Aghajanian, would give written evidence when the case went to trial.

Mr Aghajanian held a national leadership role with the church at the time of the assault.

Hillsong's former head of pastoral care, Margaret Aghajanian, who first received the complaint from Ms Crenshaw and is Mr Aghajanian's wife, is also expected to give evidence.

Ms Crenshaw's lawyer Samantha Camilleri said her side was ready for the case to proceed to trial with evidence expected from her client as well as three other lay witnesses and two medical experts.

Ms Crenshaw came to Australia in January 2016 to study a theology degree at the college, according to an earlier statement of claim filed with the court.

During a gathering at a home following a Hillsong service in Sydney around April or May 2016, Mays placed his hand on Crenshaw's upper thigh, the claim said.

As she got up to leave, Mays allegedly wrapped his other arm around Ms Crenshaw's upper legs and began kissing her exposed stomach and fondling her, after which she broke free and left the house, according to the document.

Several other members of the church were present and witnessed the assault and Ms Crenshaw's discomfort, her claim said.

She said she didn't report the incident to Hillsong until around December 2018, at which point she spoke with Ms Aghajanian, and the matter was reported to police on May 15, 2019.

Mays previously pleaded guilty in Penrith Local Court to indecently assaulting Ms Crenshaw and was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded against his name.

According to Ms Crenshaw's claim, Mays was placed on paid leave after she reported the assault to Hillsong and was later returned to a role as creative director at the church's music publishing arm.

She claims she was also assigned to work in a team with Mays' wife.

The matter is due to return to court for a further directions hearing on December 13.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store