ILLINOIS
WGN
BY MEGHAN DWYER AND MELISSA ESPANA
SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. — A pastor at an Evangelical megachurch announced he is resigning six months ahead of schedule. The announcement comes after a Chicago Tribune investigation disclosed that the pastor had allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with women in his church.
Rev. Bill Hybels told his congregation on Tuesday that he would be stepping down from his position at Willow Creek Community Church, according to the Chicago Tribune.
“The leaders of both our church and the Willow Creek Association need the freedom to get on with the task of carry out the important missions that God has given to them. Therefore, I have decided to accelerate my planned retirement date from October of this year to tonight,” he said to his congregation Tuesday evening.
According to the investigation, the alleged behavior included suggestive comments, extended hugs, an unwanted kiss, and invitations to hotel rooms.
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