Hillsong Pastor & Justin Bieber's Spiritual Mentor Carl Lentz Fired From Mega-Church for 'Moral Failures'

Carl Lentz, megachurch pastor, has been fired from his position at Hillsong due to “moral failures.”

The megachurch’s founder Brian Houston announced the 41-year-old pastor’s termination in a statement on Wednesday (November 4).

“Today Hillsong Church East Coast advised our congregation that we have terminated the employment of Pastor Carl Lentz,” Houston said in a statement obtained by People. “This action was not taken lightly and was done in the best interests of everyone, including Pastor Carl.”

He added that Carl‘s firing comes after “ongoing discussions in relation to leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures.” Houston also said that it would “not be appropriate” to go further into why Carl was fired.

Carl first became a pastor at the New York location of Hillsong in 2010. He quickly rose in popularity in the church, while bringing several high-profiled celebs into the church.

Carl became a close spiritual confidant to Justin Bieber several years ago. The 26-year-old singer briefly lived with Carl in 2014 and Carl provided guidance for Justin after his breakup from Selena Gomez in 2017.

“We thank Pastors Carl and [wife] Laura for the way they have served faithfully and sacrificially since the start of Hillsong NYC and for contributing so significantly to the countless lives that have been transformed for Jesus Christ through this ministry,” Houston added. “They have a heart for people and we are confident that after a time of rest and restoration, God will use Carl in another way outside of Hillsong church. In terminating his tenure, we in no way want to diminish the good work he did here.”

Carl Lentz has not publicly addressed his firing yet.