Mother of man raped by preacher Frank Houston asked son not to reveal ‘sordid mess’, court hears

Hillsong church founder Brian Houston has pleaded not guilty to concealing sexual abuse by his father, who confessed to police in 1999

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The mother of the man who was raped as a child by pentecostal preacher Frank Houston tried to dissuade" her son from publicly revealing the sordid mess", a Sydney court has heard.

Another relative - a senior church pastor - told him he would be supported if he kept his complaint within the church but if he went to the secular courts" he would be abandoned.

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In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380