Married Hillsong creative director resigns over lewd photos

Darnell Barrett has stepped down over the incident. (Photo: Hillsong NYC)

The creative director of a Hillsong Church in New Jersey has resigned over inappropriate photos sent to a volunteer.

Darnell Barrett, 32, claims the photos were sent to the volunteer by mistake but told the Daily Mail in a statement that he had decided to leave his post at the Montclair campus over "infidelity", which he and his wife are "working through". 

"We thought it was best for me to move on. I don't want to get into the details," he told DailyMail.com.

"This was something that was just an honest mistake and I informed my wife as soon as it happened," he added.

The pictures show Barrett shirtless in front of the mirror wearing only white Nike Pro gym tights. The photos, in which his manhood was reportedly visible, were shown in an Instagram story shared with his 'close friends' group in February. 

He then texted the volunteer, "Hey! I think I might've added you to my close friends list by accident. I'm so sorry. Trying to figure out how the hell to edit it." 

The volunteer has accused Barrett of deliberately trying to "bait" her with the photos. 

Barrett has denied this. 

"I was not at all trying to lure her. I get that she, within the context of what's happening with Hillsong, that she would draw those conclusions. But I barely know her. That was not my intention," he said. 

Hillsong has been hit by a string of scandals since the firing of Hillsong New York pastor Carl Lentz last November for moral failures. This was followed by further claims of inappropriate sexual relationships between Hillsong New York staffers and volunteers. 

Just this month, Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston said that operations at its Dallas church would be paused following accusations of lavish spending by former lead pastor Reed Bogard and his wife, Jess. 

Former Hillsong College student Anna Crenshaw has also accused a married Hillsong staff administrator of sexually assaulting her.

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.