Carl Lentz.Photo: Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage
Carl Lentzis optimistic about the future.
On Wednesday, the former Hillsong Church pastor — who wasfired from the churchand previously admitted that he had beenunfaithful to his wifeLaura — shared his first post onInstagramsince his termination in November 2020.
“Its been a challenging road but we are alive, we are at peace and thanks to the grace of God we are TOGETHER,” Lentz, 43, captioned a series of black-and-white images featuring him, Laura and their three children: Ava, Roman and Charlie.
He added, “Not sure what the future holds for us, but we do know that we face it as a family and for that I am so thankful. My deepest thanks to our friends and family that have shown us such unconditional love and grace when we have desperately needed it. Forever grateful.. we are hopeful about what is ahead!”
Laura, whom he married in 2003, reposted the image to her own Instagram and also provided followers with an update on their family.
“Yep, it has been challenging and hell yeah it’s taken aLOT of workthe past 22 months (but who’s counting 😂) to make our marriage what it has become, & we will never stop working on ourselves, for this marriage and for our kids!” she shared.
“I know there are many that don’t or would never do what I chose to do, and that’s ok, it’s not for everyone!! I look forward to sharing our story, how I came to that conclusion and I think it’s going to help a lot of people,” she continued, adding that she is proud of her husband “for the responsibility he’s taken.”
She added, “Mostly I’m grateful for a man who humbled himself & didn’t try to defend himself, he has kept quiet publically [sic] and he has remained focused on the one thing that matters most-our family!”
RELATED VIDEO: PEOPLE Explains: Carl Lentz’s Hillsong Church Scandal
One day after Lentz was fired from Hillsong on Nov. 4, 2020, he took “full responsibility” for his actions, admitting to being unfaithful in his marriage.
About two weeks later, a woman named Ranin Karim identified herselfas his mistressin an interview withVanity Fair.
“I have learnt a lot about myself over the past few months. Now more than ever I know the kindness of God, His grace, forgiveness & strength,” she wrote in part.
A source close to Lentztold PEOPLE in December2020 that he was seeking “treatment at an outpatient facility that specializes in depression, anxiety and pastoral burnout.”
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Lentz is known for running in celebrity circles and notably baptizedJustin Bieberyears ago, according to aGQprofile published in 2015.
He had been a pastor at the New York location of Hillsong since 2010 and previously attended Hillsong College, the church’s training program, which is where he met Laura.
source: people.com
