Heather Larson, the lead pastor of a Chicago-area evangelical church that is one of the largest in the nation says she is stepping down, and the entire Board of Elders will do so by the end of the year. Several speakers have backed out of a suburban Chicago summit after allegations of sexual misconduct against the founder of the megachurch hosting the event.

In an announcement posted on the Willow Creek Community Church website late Wednesday, Heather Larson said the church needed new leadership in the wake of sexual harassment allegations against church founder Bill Hybels. In a New York Times story, former assistant Pat Baranowski said Hybels repeatedly groped her in the 1980s. Hybels denies the allegation. He resigned in April.

The announcements come as the Willow Creek Association is scheduled to host its 23rd annual Global Leadership Summit. The two-day summit begins Thursday.
At least five participants, including Oscar winner Denzel Washington, cancelled their appearances at the Global Leadership Summit held at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington. In addition, more than 100 churches have called off plans to broadcast the event.

Church founder Bill Hybels will not appear at the event. Hybels resigned as leader of the megachurch in April after allegations of misconduct over several decades.

Guests that have appeared at the summit over its 26-year history include Bono, President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The church has eight Chicago-area locations.