The publication of new and existing books by Willow Creek Community Church pastor Bill Hybels has been suspended after multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.
Tyndale House announced the suspension of the publication of Hybel's new book, "Everyone Wins When a Leader Gets Better," which had an Aug. 7 release date. A spokesperson for Tyndale House told the Chicago Tribune: "We will make a final decision regarding potential publication after we absorb the facts and implications related to these allegations."
InterVarsity Press has halted its reprints of the pastor's previously released book, "Who You Are When No One's Looking," while a third publisher, Zondervan, said it is looking into the allegations but has yet to decide on the reprints of Hybels' work.
The pastor was the subject of an inquiry by pastor elders after female church members and employees came forward with claims of decades of inappropriate behavior.
Allegedly, the inquiry examined emails, documents and records as part of an investigation into whether the pastor had an affair with a married woman. Other claims charged that he had inappropriately kissed or hugged women, and invited them to hotel rooms. The inquiry concluded there was no concrete evidence of misconduct and Hybels was cleared. The woman who claimed the affair later changed her account, the Chicago Tribune further reported.
The women who came forward, however, said that the internal investigation was not conducted rigorously or independently. Some board members also resigned over dissatisfaction with the inquiry.
Hybels denied the allegations of misconduct in a statement addressed to the congregation but went on to resign from the ministry in light of the accusations. The 66-year-old pastor originally planned to retire on October 2018. The pastor founded the Willow Creek Community Church in the '70s and he also served as an advisor to former President Bill Clinton.
