Report: Willowcreek Church paid $3 million in sex abuse settlements

As Willowcreek Church undergoes huge shifts in leadership, new details are emerging about payouts to sexual assault victims.

First, 10 women accused Pastor Bill Hybels of harassment. Now, the Chicago Tribune is reporting a more than $3 million payout to the families of sexual assault victims.

According to lawsuits, former church volunteer Robert Sobczak, now 24-years-old, sexually abused two special needs children. The incidents happened in 2013 and 2014. Willow Creek community church settled with the families.

This comes a week after church leadership and elders stepped down after allegedly mishandling the investigation of Hybels. He never admitted to wrongdoing but took an early retirement shortly after the accusations came to light.

In the meantime, Willow Creek is launching a new investigation into allegations against Hybels and anyone else attached to the church. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on the latest.