Thread: Israel Houghton announces divorce

Wasn't sure where to put this with the new titles and all...

http://www.charismanews.com/us/55377...-%202016-02-24

Grammy-winner Israel Houghton announced the end of his 20-year marriage to Meleasa Houghton, telling Facebook followers "I failed and sinned in my marriage."

"Several years ago I failed and sinned in my marriage. ... Although we tried, the challenges in our relationship have proven too much to overcome. We have always handled our family and ministry with grace and generosity toward others, discretion, and privacy," Houghton posted.

Houghton is the senior worship leader at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church. He and then-wife Meleasa founded New Breed Ministries in 1995. New Breed Ministries is comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and, together, serve the church at large.

Houghton has won five Grammy Awards, 13 Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Music Award.

Here is the full statement, it was posted on his FB page but has since been deleted...

It is with a collective heavy heart that we announce that after over 20 years of marriage and a long separation, Meleasa and I are officially divorced. Several years ago I failed and sinned in my marriage. Though this is new to many, it is not new to us as we have been working through this for over 5 years. Although we tried, the challenges in our relationship have proven too much to overcome. We have always handled our family and ministry with grace and generosity toward others, discretion, and privacy. So, for the sake of our amazing kids, we are also handling this privately with pastoral oversight and assistance. We choose to remain friendly and kind to each other going forward. I am in the process of restoration and I have repented for my actions. Although I am sincerely sorry, and forgiven, I soberly realize that I will live with the consequences of my failings for the rest of my life. As this has become a public matter I want to apologize to the many who have supported my ministry through the years. I’m sorry for the many who will be hurt to learn of my personal failure. I regret any pain or disappointment that this news may cause you. We thank you for your prayers and for allowing us to handle this privately with those who are set over us in this process.

I wonder if Osteen will keep him as worship leader without a blip, make him sit for a while, etc.

That's sad.

Translation in fewer words: 5 years ago, I was caught cheating. I never sat down, but worked on the issue privately with my wife, though I continued in ministry as if everything was honky dory. My wife cannot move past the issue and trust has not been restored, so I'm sorry if everyone found out.

That's how it comes across regardless of what actually happened.

Originally Posted by fuego

I wonder if Osteen will keep him as worship leader without a blip, make him sit for a while, etc.

To me, this is a moot question. It shoulda happened 5 years ago.

Originally Posted by CatchyUsername

Translation in fewer words: 5 years ago, I was caught cheating. I never sat down, but worked on the issue privately with my wife, though I continued in ministry as if everything was honky dory. My wife cannot move past the issue and trust has not been restored, so I'm sorry if everyone found out.

That's how it comes across regardless of what actually happened.

And basically it answers Fuego's question re: sitting down, will Osteen keep him as worship leader, yada yada..

this is the tip of the iceberg... there's more coming as righteousness and holiness within the church continues 2 sink lower and lower....

Originally Posted by Valiant Woman

Why can't these people stay married?

...But why is it that these popular Christian entertainers can't stay married?

I wonder if the fame and fortune and the cares and temptations of this world choke out the Spirit and the Word of God in their lives?

"A little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump"