THE WOODLANDS, Texas — A church in The Woodlands is reacting to the arrest and charges against their now-former pastor.
Bruce Hollen, 63, is charged with possession with intent to promote child pornography. He was pastor at Calvary Chapel of The Woodlands. The church put out a statement on social media around midnight that said Hollen is "stripped of his role as lead pastor."
Below is the full statement that they posted on their Facebook page. Several videos of Hollen leading services were also taken down.
"The board of Calvary Chapel of the The Woodlands has discussed the allegations against Pastor Bruce Hollen and has unanimously decided effective immediately that as of 5/8/2024, Bruce Hollen is stripped of his role as lead pastor of Calvary Chapel of The Woodlands.
The board hereby has determined that Bruce Hollen no longer has authority, authorization, or permission to conduct any business on behalf of Calvary Chapel of The Woodlands. He may not hold himself out as a leader in any capacity for the church, and he may not speak on behalf of the church in any capacity."
Hollen was arrested on Wednesday during an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation, the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office said.
Under Texas law, promotion of child porn means to knowingly or intentionally possess material that visually depicts a child younger than 18 years of age at the time the image was created and depicts the child engaging in sexual conduct.
Hollen was in court Friday afternoon and his bond was set at $30,000. Specifics of the case have not been released.