Why did Selena Gomez cut ties with Hillsong Church? List of celebrities who frequented the religious institute

Selena Gomez is a global star and has been open about her personal life, including her faith. Almost a decade ago, the Love On singer revealed that she embraced her Christian faith and was associated with Hillsong Church. Founded by Brian Houston and his wife Bobbie in Sydney in 1983, this megachurch had many celebrities as its followers, including Gomez.

Selena Gomez was actively involved with Hillsong until 2020 when news broke that she had cut ties with the church. The news came amid cheating scandals of the celebrity pastor of Hillsong, Carl Lentz, surfaced. Subsequently, on November 9, 2020, Brian Houston released a statement, per People, that they had “terminated the employment of Pastor Carl Lentz.”

While Selena Gomez is no longer associated with Hillsong, she has continued to embrace her faith and spirituality.

Selena Gomez and other celebrities who frequented Hillsong Church

Before leaving Hillsong Church, Selena Gomez would spend some time in the church, along with other celebrities, including Justin Bieber. Selena Gomez also previously joined Hillsong Church’s band Young and Free to perform Nobody while she was with the church.

Over the years, the church has gained popularity with movie stars, musicians, models, and even professional athletes. A look back at the list shows the celebrities who have attended the church.

1. Justin and Hailey Bieber

Justin Bieber was one of the first celebrities to join the church. According to People, the singer joined the church after canceling his 2017 Purpose Tour midway. He has since brought his wife Hailey to the services as well. Celebrity pals Kylie and Kendal Jenner have also been spotted along with Hailey.

2. Chris Pratt & Katherine Schwarzenegger

Chris Pratt has previously revealed on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert that church helped him deal with the pressures of fame. He also told Extra that he met his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, at church. Katherine has also been spotted leaving Zoe Church, a Hillsong sister church, with her husband. In 2020, she appeared on The Hillsong Channel on YouTube to promote her book The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable.

3. Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler is a former basketball player, coach, and member of the church. According to People, he was also close friends with Carl Lentz. It was also reported that Justin Bieber, Chandler, and Lentz stayed connected due to church. He has been a public supporter of the church and has talked about his relationship with the church. He also appeared on the Hillsong Church Channel and reported,

“I, my whole life, was afraid of God and thought he was literally in the sky to punish me.”

4. Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker (Image via Getty/Neilson Barnard)

According to People, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star has also been spotted visiting the Hillsong church. Long before Kourtney and Travis became a couple, they would visit the church together.

5. Other Celebrities

The list of celebrities associated with Hillsong Church is a long one. While it is unclear if celebrities have continued to keep their association with the church, many have been spotted over the years. Other celebrities include Vanessa Hudgens, Austin Butler, Nick Jonas, Bono, and many others.

While Selena Gomez has been open about her faith and spirituality, she tries to keep her faith and connection to God private. Although the singer and actress has not been associated with Hillsong Church since 2020, it has attracted a slew of celebrities throughout the years.

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