Hillsong megachurch co-founder Brian Houston charged by Australian police

The founder of the Hillsong megachurch Brian Houston has vehemently denied allegations that he concealed his father's sexual abuse of a child in the 1970s.

NSW Police Force confirmed detectives had served a court attendance notice on 67-year-old Houston's lawyer in Sydney about 2pm on Thursday. The charge against Houston - who has recently led prayer services in Monterrey, Mexico - is one of concealing a serious indictable offence. But the pastor of the controversial church has denied the allegations and says he is innocent. 

'These charges have come as a shock to me given how transparent I've always been about this matter,' he said in a statement. 'I vehemently profess my innocence and will defend these charges, and I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight.' 

The Hillsong Church organisation also released a separate statement following the news. 

'We are disappointed that Pastor Brian has been charged, and ask that he be afforded the presumption of innocence and due process as is his right,' the Hillsong Church said. 'He has advised us that he will defend this and looks forward to clearing his name. 'We thank all who are a part of our church for their support and prayers at this time.'