The head of global operations at mega-church Hillsong will give evidence over its handling of an indecent assault committed by one of its worship leaders.
Anna Crenshaw, 26, is suing Hillsong and a church college for the alleged psychiatric distress she experienced after being assaulted by ex-church staff member Jason Mays in 2016.
She claims the church failed to protect her from harm and ongoing psychiatric distress in the years after the incident.
READ MORE: Taylor Swift ‘terror plot’ fits a chilling ISIS pattern
During a NSW Supreme Court hearing on Friday, the parties agreed to a further amended statement of claim being filed after a dispute over the church’s liability for the assault.
Hillsong lawyer Nick Galanopoulos said the church’s global general manager, George Aghajanian, would give written evidence when the case went to trial.
Aghajanian held a national leadership role with the church at the time of the assault.
Hillsong’s former head of pastoral care, Margaret Aghajanian, who first received the complaint from Crenshaw and is Mr Aghajanian’s wife, is also expected to give evidence.
Crenshaw’s lawyer Samantha Camilleri said her side was ready for the case to proceed to trial with evidence expected from her client as well as three other lay witnesses and two medical experts.
Crenshaw came to Australia in January 2016 to study a theology degree at the college, according to an earlier statement of claim filed with the court.
During a gathering at a home following a Hillsong service in Sydney around April or May 2016, Mays placed his hand on Crenshaw’s upper thigh, the claim said.
As she got up to leave, Mays allegedly wrapped his other arm around Ms Crenshaw’s upper legs and began kissing her exposed stomach and fondling her, after which she broke free and left the house, according to the document.
Several other members of the church were present and witnessed the assault and Ms Crenshaw’s discomfort, her claim said.
She said she didn’t report the incident to Hillsong until around December 2018, at which point she spoke with Ms Aghajanian, and the matter was reported to police on May 15, 2019.
Mays previously pleaded guilty in Penrith Local Court to indecently assaulting Crenshaw and was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded against his name.
According to Crenshaw’s claim, Mays was placed on paid leave after she reported the assault to Hillsong and was later returned to a role as creative director at the church’s music publishing arm.
She claims she was also assigned to work in a team with Mays’ wife.
The matter is due to return to court for a further directions hearing on December 13.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
links to content on ABC
9News
