Scott Morrison admits asking for Hillsong founder Brian Houston invite to White House after months of dismissing issue as 'gossip'
ABCAfter months of dismissing questions about the issue as rumour and gossip, the Prime Minister has conceded Hillsong founder Brian Houston's name was put forward to attend a state dinner with United States President Donald Trump last year. Key points: The Wall Street Journal first reported the Prime Minister wanted the Hillsong founder invited to the White House Scott Morrison has repeatedly dismissed questions on the issue as rumour and "gossip" He has now conceded Mr Houston's name was put forward, even though he was not given an invitation The glamorous event at the White House last September was attended by Mr Morrison, his wife Jenny and a number of other Australian dignitaries. On Tuesday, Mr Morrison said he had known Mr Houston for a "long time", and argued Hillsong had a "very big network of churches all across the United States". In December, Mr Morrison was asked again in Parliament, and suggested Labor was engaging in "smears, accusations and even attacking people's faith".
History of this topic
Prime Minister Scott Morrison joins growing chorus of Hillsong Church allies to distance themselves from founder Brian Houston
ABC
Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston resigns after behaving ‘inappropriately’ with two women
The Independent
Journalist fleshes out White House state dinner scoop involving Scott Morrison and Brian Houston
ABC
Scott Morrison dismisses report he wanted Hillsong pastor Brian Houston to attend events during US state visit
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