Published on December 3, 2023, 2:24 am

Image source: Fox News

Former Hillsong Atlanta Pastor, Sam Collier, and his wife Toni Collier, have taken to social media to confirm their impending divorce amid allegations of infidelity and abuse. The news comes as a shock to the Christian community, presenting yet another controversy in real news.

Toni Collier broke the news on her Instagram account on Friday morning explaining that it was after years of discovering repeated acts of infidelity she decided her marriage was no longer sustainable nor honoring God. “Despite seasons of hope, attempts at reconciliation, and counseling…I’m at a point where I have to say ‘no more,’” she stated. Following this bombshell announcement, Toni indicated her desire to take time away from public life and focus on healing with her children.

Silence fell on social media platforms mere minutes before Sam Collier hit back with accusations of his own against his wife, labeling her as an “abuser” in a post that has since been deleted. In the erased post, he insisted that their decision to divorce was mutual and stated rather vehemently that Toni had abused him throughout their marriage.

Sam later offered a formal statement expressing regret for his previous comments amidst these breaking news reports. “I would like to apologize for my earlier comments regarding my divorce,” he wrote admitting being overwhelmed by emotion at the time.

The couple’s latest update follows after Toni called out unfaithful, manipulative church leaders last week with pictures of herself and her children at church appearing across her social media profiles. She emphasized the importance of integrity within church leadership: “We’ve all seen how the disgusting behavior of leaders… has torn apart God’s design.”

It’s important from a Christian worldview not just attending church but ensuring it’s one that upholds biblical principles in both preaching and practice.

Both Sam and Toni served at Hillsong Atlanta approximately for a year until Sam announced his departure on March 23 choosing step away due intense scrutiny following recent scandals. His departure was an effort to sustain his young church amidst a negative media environment.

While this development is not of joyous nature, it’s essential to remain intrigued by the subsequent occurrences and trusted news updates concerning their ongoing personal challenges. In these moments, we remember that humans are susceptible to flaws despite their leadership position in the church or community. As followers of Christ, we continue to uphold the biblical standards and live with a Christian worldview even as we digest real news surrounding our leaders.