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Report on trip of John Lewis and Keith Ainge to New Zealand
and Sydney, 28th 29th November 2000.

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Meeting with New Zealand Executive
John Lewis and Keith Ainge flew to New Zealand at the request of the National
Executive of the Assemblies of God in Australia and met with the New Zealand
Executive. The purpose of the meeting was to:
1. Ascertain details of accusations that have been made against Frank Houston
2. Share the proposed action of the Australian Executive
3. Determine ways in which the two executives can take a common position,
The New Zealand Executive was very welcoming and obviously appreciated the
opportunity to work together.
Wayne Hughes and other executive members indicated that rumours have been
circulating in New Zealand for at least three years, in relation to Frank having improper
dealings with young boys in excess of 30 years ago. A total of six specific allegations
have been investigated by the New Zealand executive relating to improper touching of
genitals. The New Zealand Executive believe that the allegations are substantial and they
have no reason to doubt them. At this stage, all of the complainants appear to want to
avoid publicity and trouble but they do want justice to be done. The New Zealand
. Executive has akeady apologised, on it's own behalf, to a number of the complainants.
Following the report from various New Zealand Executive members, John Lewis outlined
the actions of the Australian Executive, both in December 1999 and following the recent
allegations. He explained that Frank's credential has been withdrawn for the last 12
months and that it is the intention of the Australian Executive that his credential never be
reissued if any of the current allegations are found to be substantive. He also explained
that Frank would never be allowed to minister again. The New Zealand Executive
expressed that they considered this action to be appropriate.
There was discussion ab.out the appropriateness of making a public statement in relation
to the action of our executive. From discussion around the room it became obvious that at
least 50 pastors in New Zealand are aware of the allegations. This includes a group of
thirty who were discussing the matter on a recent boat trip. John Lewis stressed that the
Australian Executive preferred not to publish a statement unless Frank failed to comply
with our requirement to abstain from all ministry or unless rumours became so bad that it
was considered in the best interests of all concerned. The New Zealand executive agreed
with this approach.

It was agreed that a statement does need to be prepared for sharing individually with
people who have heard of the allegations. John Lewis and Keith Ainge outlined a draft

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statement that they had prepared and after some discussion and minor ch~nges it wa~
agreed that a joint statement from the Australian and New Zealand Executives would be a
positive move. A statement was agreed with the New Zealand executive but they
understand that it requires the endorsement of the Australian Executive before it is final.
It was agreed that when a statement is finalised, it will not be published, or used in any
other way than to answer genuine enquiries, by either executive without first consulting
with the other.

Meeting with Frank Houston
On our return to Sydney, John Lewis and Keith Ainge met with Robert Fergusson and
Jonathon Wilson, before a meeting with Frank and Hazel Houston. Hazel had requested
that their family doctor (an elder of the church) attend the meeting and we requested
Robert Fergusson to attend also.
Frank and Hazel were very hospitable and, given the circumstances, the meeting was
very amicable. John Lewis outlined details of thew accusations and the course of action
that has been determined by the executive. Frank was asked to respond to four allegations
including two from one family. In the case of the other two allegations, the complainants
are not prepared to release their names at this time.

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Frank endeavoured to recall the .incidents and the people but was unabl~ to remember the
first three .incidents. He did not deny them, accept.ing that was a cont.inu.ing problem
dur.ing that period of time, but he could not confess to them. When confronted with the
name of the fourth person, he confessed that an improper .incident had taken place. On the
basis of this confession, John Lewis expla.ined the executives conclusion that Frank's
credential can never be reissued and it's determination that he should never preach aga.in.
This appeared more distress.ing to Hazel than to Frank and he .indicated that he has now
retired and will not be preaching any more.
John Lewis explained that a statement is being prepared to explain the situation to those
who have heard rumours and make a genuine enquiry. He also explained that the
statement will not be published unless Frank fails to keep his commitment not to preach
or unless the extent of rumours makes it imperative for the executive to do so.
Following the meeting, it was agreed that Robert Fergusson would prepare a short,
simple confession to be signed by Frank and that Keith Ainge will write a letter, outlining
the decision of the executive, for Robert Fergusson to deliver to Frank.