Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church has placed Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Israel Houghton on indefinite leave, after he announced his divorce and new relationship with another woman.
Houghton, who is now dating former Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon, admitted to having sinned during his 20-year marriage to Meleasa, when he announced their divorce in February.
Since his announcement, Houghton has been released from his role as worship minister at the Texas-based mega church, having served there five years.
"Lakewood Church released Israel Houghton from his responsibilities as a worhsip leader [in February] and placed him on indefinite leave. Since that time, he has not been featured in any Lakewood Church related activities," a spokesperson for Lakewood told Radar Online on Wednesday.
"Lakewood Church is not at liberty to discuss publicly any details regarding Israel's personal situation, but stands ready to provide Israel with spiritual counselling and guidance should he choose to seek it."
Houghton has recently taken his relationship with Adrienne public, travelling to Tulum, Mexico over last weekend. He has insisted, however, that Bailon was not involved in the breakdown of his marriage.
"In the midst of all that's going on in the world... Suffering, terrorism, deciding a future for our country, and making the world safer; It is sad that I am even having to address this matter," he wrote on Facebook.
"I met Adrienne Bailon a bit over 2 years ago," he said. "As two single adults we have very recently begun to explore a dating relationship."
