When the name “Leona Kimes” first surfaced in mainstream media, I found myself drawn into a story that seemed almost too complex to untangle. Here was a woman who had dedicated her life to the church, only to become one of its most prominent whistleblowers. Her allegations against Carl Lentz, the former Hillsong NYC pastor, sent shockwaves through the global megachurch movement and sparked conversations about power, abuse, and accountability in religious institutions.
In my view, the story of Leona Kimes is not just about one person’s accusations. It is about a broader cultural moment where women are finally finding the courage to speak out against abuses of power that have long been hidden behind closed doors. Based on the available evidence, her case represents a significant chapter in the ongoing reckoning within evangelical Christianity.
I have found that understanding who Leona Kimes is requires looking at her journey from a young Australian churchgoer to a leader in one of the world’s most influential megachurches, and ultimately to a whistleblower whose allegations would help expose deep-seated problems within Hillsong. Let us explore together the full story of Leona Kimes.
Key Takeaways
Before I dive into the full exploration, let me summarise the most important points I have identified:
- Leona Kimes is an Australian-born former nanny and pastor who accused Carl Lentz of sexual abuse in May 2021.
- She and her husband Josh Kimes served as co-pastors of Hillsong Boston before resigning in April 2022.
- Kimes published her allegations in a Medium essay titled “Writing My Voice Back” after years of silence.
- Carl Lentz has denied the allegations, framing the relationship as consensual.
- The Kimes’ resignation came amid wider scandals that have plagued the Hillsong Church.
- Her story highlights issues of power dynamics, abuse, and accountability within religious organisations.
These takeaways set the stage for a deeper look at the life, allegations, and legacy of Leona Kimes.
Who Is Leona Kimes?
Leona Kimes is a Sydney, Australia, native who grew up loving the church and everything it represented. Born in 1983, she pursued her education at Macquarie University in Sydney before joining Hillsong, the global megachurch that had its roots in Australia. In 2008, she married Josh Kimes, who also worked within the Hillsong network.
In 2010, the couple made a life-changing decision. They left Australia to help set up the New York City church co-founded by Carl Lentz. This move would define the next decade of their lives and ultimately lead to the events that would thrust Leona Kimes into the international spotlight.
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1983 |
| Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
| Education | Macquarie University |
| Marriage | Josh Kimes (2008) |
| Occupation | Nanny, Pastor |
| Known For | Accusing Carl Lentz of sexual abuse |
Understanding Leona Kimes’ background is essential, in my view, because it reveals how deeply embedded she was in the Hillsong ecosystem. This was not an outsider making accusations from a distance. This was someone who had given years of her life to the church, who had helped build its presence in America, and who had trusted its leadership.
The Hillsong Context
To understand Leona Kimes’ story, we need to understand Hillsong. Founded in Australia nearly 40 years ago by Brian Houston, Hillsong grew from a small congregation into a global megachurch and multimedia empire with some 30 locations worldwide. Its music, led by artists like Darlene Zschech and Hillsong United, became a staple in churches around the world.
The church’s New York City branch was co-founded by Carl Lentz, a charismatic pastor who became known for his celebrity connections and modern approach to ministry. Lentz counted Justin Bieber, the Kardashians, and other high-profile figures among his friends and congregants. He represented a new kind of evangelical leader – young, fashionable, and culturally relevant.
But behind the glitz and glamour, problems were brewing. In November 2020, Lentz was fired from his position after evidence of adultery was made public. His wife Laura also lost her job. This was just the beginning of a series of scandals that would rock the church to its core.
From my perspective, the Hillsong story is a cautionary tale about what happens when charismatic leadership goes unchecked. The church had built an empire on the appeal of its leaders, but that same appeal created an environment where abuses of power could flourish.
Leona Kimes’ Role at Hillsong
When the Kimes arrived in New York in 2010, Leona was hired as a nanny for the Lentz family. She was responsible for everything from running errands and keeping the house clean to taking care of the children, and in general, making sure everything was perfect. For seven years, from 2011 to 2017, she worked in this role.
The job was demanding. She worked long hours, sometimes up to 19 hours a day, often sacrificing her and her family’s personal needs. She was sometimes asked to work from 7am to 11pm. Her husband Josh also worked full time helping with the administration of the ministry, and also worked an additional full-time job outside the ministry. The Lentzes scheduled their days off for different days, so Leona and Josh were not able to spend any leisure time together.
Despite the demanding conditions, Leona remained committed. She and her husband eventually rose through the ranks, becoming co-pastors of Hillsong Boston. They helped launch the Boston campus of the church, following their work in New York.
In my analysis, this trajectory illustrates the intense loyalty that Hillsong demanded from its members. People like the Kimes gave everything to the church – their time, their energy, their personal lives. And when problems arose, they were expected to remain silent.
The Allegations: “Writing My Voice Back”
On May 31, 2021, Leona Kimes published an essay on Medium titled “Writing My Voice Back”. In it, she detailed years of alleged abuse at the hands of Carl Lentz. Though she did not identify her abuser by name in the piece, she later confirmed to Religion News Service that she was speaking about Lentz.
In the essay, Kimes wrote about her time at the Lentzes’ house and the abuse she said she faced. She described how the situation escalated gradually:
“During the years I spent serving them, I was subjected to manipulation, control, bullying, abuse of power, and sexual abuse. Having told almost no one before this, I am just now able to share what I experienced in their home as the result of intense therapy.”
The abuse started small, she said. Apart from working long hours, her schedules were often switched without fair warning and without checking whether she was available. In addition to the increasing workload, she was made fun of, and her husband was constantly criticised.
The sexual abuse began with unwelcome comments and teasing that made her uncomfortable, which soon escalated to touching. Sometime in 2015, Carl began asking her for foot rubs, eventually moving to touch her in ways that made her uncomfortable. While she said they never kissed or had sex, she added:
“I was physically violated by his unwanted and repeated sexual touching of my intimate areas. I froze. Every time, I froze.”
Kimes also detailed at least two instances when Carl allegedly touched her in the presence of his children – once while driving to a doctor’s appointment and another time when they were in a movie theatre with Carl’s kids.
In a statement to Religion News Service, Kimes expressed the profound isolation she felt:
The Allegations: Category and Sepcific Claims
“I felt trapped and silenced. I also felt so ashamed and I had been told not to say anything or tell anyone.”
| Allegation Category | Specific Claims |
|---|---|
| Workplace Exploitation | 19-hour workdays, unscheduled overtime, no time off with spouse |
| Emotional Abuse | Mockery, constant criticism of her husband |
| Sexual Harassment | Inappropriate comments, unwanted touching, foot rubs that escalated |
| Sexual Abuse | Repeated unwanted sexual touching of intimate areas |
| Power Abuse | Blaming and silencing the victim, exploiting power dynamics |
In my view, the power of Kimes’ testimony lies in its specificity. She did not make vague accusations. She described concrete incidents, specific patterns of behaviour, and the gradual escalation of abuse. This level of detail lends credibility to her claims and makes them harder to dismiss.
Carl Lentz’s Response
Carl Lentz has consistently denied the allegations of abuse. In response to Kimes’ essay, an attorney for Lentz and his wife Laura issued a statement:
“Laura and Carl Lentz vehemently deny the allegations and, in addition to that, have irrefutable proof the events did not happen as Leona Kimes has described.”
The statement also threatened legal action:
“Further, due to the high degree of the ongoing reckless and slanderous misstatements by Leona Kimes, Laura and Carl Lentz are exploring all legal actions available to them.”
In a later interview for the FX docuseries “The Secrets of Hillsong,” Lentz framed the relationship differently. He admitted to an inappropriate relationship but insisted it was consensual:
“I am responsible for allowing an inappropriate relationship to develop in my house with someone that worked for us.”
He insisted, however, that “any notion of abuse is categorically false”. Described the relationship as “mutual adult decisions made by two people who lied profusely, mainly to my wife”. And He acknowledged the power dynamic, saying:
“It’s an issue because I was a boss, this person was an employee. I’m responsible for that power dynamic and the management of it and the wisdom that goes with it, and I failed absolutely miserably.”
In my analysis, Lentz’s response is revealing. He admits to the relationship and to the power imbalance, but he refuses to characterise it as abuse. This is a common pattern in cases of workplace sexual misconduct – the perpetrator acknowledges the relationship but frames it as consensual, ignoring the power dynamics that make true consent impossible.
The Aftermath: Resignation from Hillsong Boston
On April 18, 2022, almost a year after Leona Kimes published her allegations, she and her husband Josh announced their resignation as co-pastors of Hillsong Boston. The announcement came a week after the results of an investigation into Hillsong New York City were leaked to a Christian online news outlet.
In an Instagram post, Josh Kimes wrote that they had “made the difficult decision to resign” and were “ready for a fresh start”. He noted:
“It was never our plan to ever leave Hillsong Church. It’s been home for 22yrs of my life. It’s where I’ve pastored for the last 16yrs.”
And He also apologised for any part he played in “perpetuating a culture that at times valued the building of the church at the expense of those building it”. He added:
“Transparency, honesty, accountability & a culture that allows people to create healthy boundaries is so important & I’m encouraged to see things starting to change.”
The Kimes’ departure was part of a wider exodus from Hillsong. Their resignation came two weeks after the resignation of the church’s global senior pastor, Brian Houston, following allegations of sexual misconduct. The scandals had already forced the closure of three of its U.S. churches.
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Lentz fired | November 2020 | Admitted adultery, removed from Hillsong |
| Leona Kimes publishes essay | May 31, 2021 | Publicly accuses Lentz of sexual abuse |
| Brian Houston resigns | March 2022 | Global senior pastor steps down amid scandal |
| Kimes resign from Hillsong Boston | April 18, 2022 | Couple leaves the church they helped build |
From my perspective, the Kimes’ resignation marks a turning point. They had given more than two decades of their lives to Hillsong. They had moved across the world, worked exhausting hours, and endured significant personal sacrifice. Their decision to leave was not made lightly.
The Broader Hillsong Scandal
The Leona Kimes case is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Hillsong has been rocked by a series of scandals that have exposed deep problems within the organisation.
The Carl Lentz Saga
Lentz was fired in November 2020 after admitting to adultery. This was a significant blow to the church, as Lentz had been one of its most visible and charismatic leaders. His connections to celebrities like Justin Bieber had brought Hillsong unprecedented mainstream attention.
The Brian Houston Investigation
Brian Houston, the founder and global senior pastor of Hillsong, resigned in March 2022 after being informed of a pending internal investigation into his conduct. The investigation reportedly involved allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Internal Investigation Report
An internal investigation conducted on behalf of Hillsong Church by the New York City law firm Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman, LLP, revealed troubling details. The report included admissions from Lentz that he enjoyed “manipulated intimacy” with Kimes. This language is significant – it suggests an awareness of the manipulative nature of the relationship.
Criticism of Church Culture
Leaders at more than one Hillsong location have been criticised for overworking staff and volunteers. In 2020, a former volunteer at Hillsong Boston told Business Insider that she was asked to care for the Kimes’ daughter for up to 25 hours a week, as well as clean their house and look after their dog, while being paid $150 a week.
This pattern of exploitation suggests that the problems at Hillsong were not limited to a few individuals. They were systemic, embedded in the church’s culture.
The Power of Speaking Out
Leona Kimes’ decision to speak out was not easy. In her essay, she described the years of silence and the intense therapy that finally enabled her to share her story.
Her courage has inspired others to come forward. The #MeToo movement has shown that when one person speaks out, it can create a ripple effect, empowering others to share their own experiences.
In my view, Kimes’ testimony is important not just for what it reveals about Carl Lentz, but for what it reveals about the culture that enabled him. She described being blamed and silenced when she tried to address the issues. She was told not to say anything or tell anyone. This is the classic pattern of abuse – the victim is isolated, shamed, and silenced.
For more insights on power dynamics and personal stories of resilience, I recommend exploring resources like WordPlay2018, which offers thoughtful content on a range of cultural topics.
Where Is Leona Kimes Now?
Following their resignation from Hillsong Boston in April 2022, Leona and Josh Kimes have largely retreated from the public eye. Their Instagram post announcing their resignation was their last public statement on the matter.
In my analysis, this is understandable. Speaking out against a powerful institution takes an enormous toll. The Kimes had already endured years of difficult conditions, the trauma of abuse, and the stress of public allegations. A “fresh start” was exactly what they needed.
The couple have young children, and protecting their family is likely their top priority. While Leona Kimes may never again be as publicly visible as she was in 2021, her impact on the Hillsong story is indelible.
The Legacy of Leona Kimes
What will be the lasting legacy of Leona Kimes? In my view, it will be her role in exposing the dark underbelly of a church that had grown too powerful and too insular.
Her allegations helped catalyse a broader reckoning within Hillsong. They contributed to the resignation of Brian Houston, the closure of multiple churches, and a widespread reassessment of the church’s culture.
More importantly, her story has served as an inspiration to others who have experienced abuse within religious institutions. By speaking out, she has shown that it is possible to break the silence and demand accountability.
| Legacy Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Institutional Change | Contributed to leadership changes and church closures |
| Cultural Shift | Helped expose systemic issues in megachurches |
| Personal Inspiration | Empowered others to speak out against abuse |
| Public Awareness | Increased scrutiny of religious institutions |
In my analysis, the story of Leona Kimes is ultimately a story of courage. She took a tremendous risk in speaking out. She knew that she would face denial, legal threats, and public scrutiny. But she chose to tell her truth anyway.
Conclusion
The story of Leona Kimes is one of faith, betrayal, and ultimately, courage. She dedicated more than two decades of her life to Hillsong Church, moving from Australia to America to help build its presence. She worked tirelessly as a nanny, endured exploitation and abuse, and rose to become a pastor. And when she finally found the strength to speak out, she exposed one of the most significant scandals in the history of the megachurch movement.
In my analysis, the central practical lesson from Leona Kimes’ story is this: institutions that demand total loyalty and silence are inherently dangerous. When power is concentrated in the hands of a few charismatic leaders, and when those leaders are not held accountable, abuse becomes almost inevitable.
My advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation is to trust your instincts, seek support, and know that you are not alone. Leona Kimes’ story is a testament to the power of speaking out, even when it feels impossible.
The path to healing and justice is not easy, but it is possible. And as Leona Kimes has shown, one voice can make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leona Kimes?
Leona Kimes is an Australian-born former nanny and pastor who made headlines in May 2021 when she accused Carl Lentz, the former lead pastor of Hillsong NYC, of sexual abuse. She and her husband Josh served as co-pastors of Hillsong Boston before resigning in April 2022. Her allegations contributed to a wider reckoning within the Hillsong Church.
What did Leona Kimes accuse Carl Lentz of?
Leona Kimes accused Carl Lentz of sexual abuse, including unwanted and repeated sexual touching, inappropriate comments, and exploitation of the power dynamic between them. She detailed these allegations in a Medium essay titled “Writing My Voice Back” published on May 31, 2021. She also described workplace exploitation, including working up to 19 hours a day.
Did Carl Lentz respond to Leona Kimes’ allegations?
Yes, Carl Lentz has consistently denied the allegations of abuse. His attorney issued a statement saying Lentz and his wife “vehemently deny” the claims and have “irrefutable proof” they did not happen as described. Lentz later admitted to an inappropriate relationship but insisted it was consensual and not abusive.
Why did Leona Kimes and her husband resign from Hillsong Boston?
Leona Kimes and her husband Josh resigned as co-pastors of Hillsong Boston on April 18, 2022. They announced they had “made the difficult decision to resign” and were “ready for a fresh start.” Their resignation came amid wider scandals at Hillsong, including the resignation of global senior pastor Brian Houston.
Where is Leona Kimes now?
Following their resignation from Hillsong Boston, Leona and Josh Kimes have largely retreated from the public eye. They have not made any significant public statements since their resignation announcement. They have young children and appear to be focusing on their family and personal recovery.
What impact did Leona Kimes’ allegations have?
Leona Kimes’ allegations contributed to a broader reckoning within Hillsong Church. They helped catalyse leadership changes, including the resignation of global senior pastor Brian Houston, and led to increased scrutiny of the church’s culture. Her story has also inspired others to speak out against abuse in religious institutions.
Sources
- CitizenZwiki. “Leona Kimes.” Available at: https://citizenzwiki.com/leona-kimes
- Religion News Service. “Josh and Leona Kimes, who accused Carl Lentz of abuse, resign from Hillsong Boston.” April 18, 2022.
- The Christian Post. “Carl Lentz says he was sexually abused as a child; denies abusing nanny Leona Kimes.” May 16, 2023.
- The Cinemaholic. “Where is Leona Kimes Now?” March 25, 2022.
- People. “Hillsong Staffer Accuses Ex-Pastor Carl Lentz of Sexual Abuse as He ‘Vehemently’ Denies Claims.” June 1, 2021.
- Leona Kimes. “Writing My Voice Back.” Medium, May 31, 2021.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. I have compiled the information from publicly available sources and my own analysis. The allegations made by Leona Kimes have been denied by Carl Lentz, and this article does not constitute a determination of fact. Legal proceedings or investigations may be ongoing. This article does not constitute legal or professional advice. Readers should consult official sources for the most current information.
