Jason Mays’ wife, Ashley Mays, was closely suffering from her husband's gross misconduct at Hillsong Church. Here's what else we learn about her.
It’s been nine months since Discovery Plus launched the surprising sequence Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, and we’re nonetheless reeling. The star-studded Australian church as soon as identified for attracting large names equivalent to Justin and Hailey Bieber turned into characterized via scandal and controversy, with many of its male contributors exercising a gross abuse of power.
Case in level? Jason Mays.
Here's what you want to learn about the fallen Hillsong alum, his misconduct, and his marriage.
Warning: The following article includes point out of sexual assault.
Article continues below advertisement
Who is Hillsong's Jason Mays and what did he do?
Jason Mays used to be a group of workers administrator, volunteer singer, and son of the human assets head at Hillsong Church and one of the men concerned with the slew of controversies involving the congregation.
In 2015, Anna Crenshaw graduated from highschool in Philadelphia and moved to Australia to attend Hillsong College. Upon arrival, Anna went to a birthday party that Jason was at and noticed that he was ingesting closely. While she was once sitting next to him, Jason put his hands on Anna’s internal thigh and sexually assaulted her.
Article continues under commercial
“When I stood up, Jason grabbed me, placing his hand between my legs and his head on my stomach and began kissing my abdomen,” Anna wrote in a remark. “I felt his arms and fingers wrapped around my legs making contact with my inner thigh, butt, and crotch.”
As she tried to drag away, Jason would now not let her pass — even if anyone tried to intervene. When she eventually broke unfastened, the person who attempted to forestall Jason instructed Anna to not tell somebody about the incident.
After the assault, Anna later discovered that Jason used to be married. Childhood trauma mixed with the incident at the birthday celebration motivated Anna to talk with a counselor — who encouraged her to document Jason. However, Anna felt like she couldn’t tell Hillsong’s human assets about the assault and stored quiet for two and a half years.
Article continues below advertisement
Eventually, the Hillsong College pupil grew angry from hearing Jason’s constant reward at the church. As a consequence, she reported the incident to Hillsong’s head of pastoral care oversight, Margaret Aghajanian, who was stunned however ultimately believed her. However, the nightmare was a long way from over.
Article continues below advertisement
Jason Mays’ wife, Ashley, become Anna’s volunteer staff leader after the assault.
Hillsong Church failed to take action against Jason for months following Anna’s document. When in any case puzzled, Jason denied the incident. It wasn’t till different participants from the night of the birthday party confirmed the indecent behavior that the church positioned him on paid depart.
During that point, Jason’s wife, Ashley — with whom he stocks two daughters — become the leader of Anna’s volunteer workforce. She had simply had their first baby, and Jason claimed that Anna used to be intentionally looking to get in between him and his circle of relatives.
When Anna informed Margaret Aghajanian, she responded, “‘How do you suppose they feel? I’m certain he’s really sorry.’”
Article continues below advertisement
In January 2020, Jason pleaded guilty to indecent attack. He then received two years' probation and obligatory counseling and was once banned from any ministry for twelve months. Anna left Hillsong College and church, prompting her father to jot down to Hillsong management. The church’s general suggest, Timothy Whincop, answered.
“Our pastoral workforce will proceed to care for Anna as they have got been, but we also have an obligation to take care of Jason, his wife, and circle of relatives as a church,” he wrote. “Jason’s movements have resulted in ache now not just for Anna but additionally his wife Ashley, not to point out different family members.”
If you need beef up, name the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or discuss with RAINN.org to chat on-line one-on-one with a enhance specialist at any time.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXSramam6Ses7p6wqikaKhfn660u81mpJqxo2K1qrjLrKann12stqex