Things are not looking good for him.
Toni Collier, the spouse of former Hillsong Atlanta Pastor Sam Collier, revealed on Friday her decision to seek a divorce due to alleged infidelity in their marriage. In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, Toni expressed deep sorrow and a sense of cautious hope amid this challenging time. She cited discovering repeated instances of infidelity as the reason for ending their marriage, emphasizing her need to prioritize her well-being and that of her children. Despite previous attempts at reconciliation and counseling, the recent discovery led her to conclude that the marriage was no longer sustainable or in alignment with her faith.
Expressing gratitude for privacy and the support of prayers, Toni conveyed her intent to step away from the public eye to focus on healing alongside her children. In stark contrast, Sam Collier responded with accusations against Toni, labeling her as a “liar and abuser” and asserting mutual consent to divorce. However, he later retracted his statements, apologizing for the emotionally charged and inappropriate nature of his earlier remarks.
The couple’s public statements emerged following Toni’s social media post, where she reflected on attending a church that embraced honesty and offered solace amidst personal challenges. She highlighted the importance of safeguarding the church from destructive behaviors among its leaders, stressing the prevalence of shame as a contributing factor to such issues.
This development comes after Sam Collier’s departure from his role as the head of Hillsong Atlanta, citing the challenging environment created by controversies and media scrutiny faced by Hillsong Church globally. Despite the absence of immediate comments from Story Church regarding Toni’s announcement, Sam remained hopeful for brighter days ahead, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his perspective eventually.
The unfolding events reflect a deeply personal and emotional chapter in their lives, underscoring the complexities of relationships and the challenges faced within religious communities. Both individuals have offered differing accounts, highlighting the intricacies and sensitivity surrounding the dissolution of their marriage.