Laura Toggs, daughter of Hillsong Church founder, Brian Houston, has taken to Instagram to slam the media’s reporting of the youth church’s Summercamp, of which footage was released showing revellers ignoring covid restrictions.
In a screenshot captured by news.com.au, Toggs (featured image), who is also a pastor of the controversial church, labelled the media’s reporting of Hillsong’s Summercamp festival as “disgusting”, “horrible”, “immoral” and “low”.
“I have watched the media willingly disregard any fairness for the sake of click-bait & to suit whatever profit they make off their agendas,” she wrote.
“To keep bowing down to the media is essentially to allow them to continue to own the narrative around the world, above the truth.
“It is the most unwise thing you can do for your mind and soul. Defending truth is biblical.”
Two weeks ago, Hillsong Church came under widespread condemnation after footage of its mask-less festivalgoers dancing and singing to a live performance in a large tent went viral.
This footage coincided with reintroduced restrictions and the state-wide cancellation of live performances and festivals, such as Grapevine Gathering, in response to rampant omicron outbreaks.
Hillsong defended its decision to hold the event – despite other music artists being unable to perform live – saying their Summercamp was “not similar to a music festival in any way”.
“Our camps involve primarily outdoor recreational activities including sports and games,” the church said in a press statement.
“We follow strict COVID procedures and adhere to government guidelines.”
However, that didn’t stop everyone from musicians to politicians having a crack at the youth church.
“There are rules in place that just aren’t right,” music duo, Lime Cordiale, wrote on social media.
“Festivals, clubs and pubs are closed whilst Hillsong are getting close and sweaty … confusing?”
Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, added: “While the order does not apply to religious services, it does apply to major recreation facilities and this event is clearly in breach of both the spirit and intent of the order”.
But all this criticism seems to have fanned the flames – or the holy spirit – in Toggs, who claimed she was unaware of the rule changes regarding live events, given she was supposedly busy organising Summercamp.
Toggs wrote she would have been more conscientious to the new rules and the festivalgoers’ actions had she known.
“There is a clear agenda to drag Hillsong through the mud and to destroy our name,” Toggs continued in her recent Instagram post.
“If you want to fill your mind and soul with junk then go ahead and buy into whatever s*** they spoon feed you. But if you want truth to frame your heart and soul and mind, let the Bible be your source of wisdom and truth and guidance.”
“I hope that the music industry can rally their strength together to rally government – rather than bash churchgoers”.
Despite admitting to their faults – and despite other music artists still being unable to perform live – ABC reports Hillsong will still be holding similar events in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia this month, with some tickets costing over $300.
