Sexual harassment claims against ex-megachurch pastor Bill Hybels are credible, report finds

A four-person panel also concluded board members of his former congregation, Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, had been “unable to provide effective oversight” of him.

It concluded: “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.”

Willow Creek initially denied claims published in the US media – including alleged sexual impropriety by Bill Hybels with a former assistant.

As more women came forward, Hybels resigned, though he continued to deny the accusations. Willow Creek launched an investigation.

An Independent Advisory Group (IAG) spent six months scrutinising the allegations, as well as the response of Willow Creek Church and the Willow Creek Association.

Members included Jo Anne Lyon, former general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church and Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals.

The other two participants were Margaret Diddams, provost of Wheaton College and Gary Walter, ex-president of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Chicago.

The IAG said its conclusions were reached after conducting “multiple interviews” and a “broad review of documents and information”.

We ask for your prayers for our Elders as they process the report and determine next steps. Thank you for your faithful engagement…