John Hagee's personal life has long drawn public scrutiny, particularly due to the events surrounding his first divorce and remarriage in the 1970s. As the founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, and a prominent televangelist, his marital history frequently resurfaces in discussions about pastoral ethics and evangelical leadership.
Public interest centers on how his 1975 separation from his first wife, Martha Downing, and his subsequent marriage to congregation member Diana Castro reshaped his ministry. While his sermons often emphasize traditional family values, observers frequently examine these foundational events to understand the trajectory of his career.
The First Marriage and Trinity Church
In 1960, John Hagee married his first wife, Martha Downing. During this period, Hagee pursued his theological education and early pastoral career, establishing Trinity Church in San Antonio in 1966. The congregation grew steadily under his leadership, making him a visible religious figure in the region.
By the mid-1970s, cracks began to form within his personal life and tenure at Trinity Church. In 1975, Hagee stepped down from his position as senior pastor. He addressed his congregation with a letter acknowledging personal immorality before moving forward with a divorce from Downing. This departure marked a major turning point, leading him to leave the denomination and congregation he had built.
Resignations and the Founding of Cornerstone Church
Following his resignation from Trinity Church, Hagee did not step away from ministry permanently. Later in 1975, he established a new congregation initially known as The Church at Castle Hills. This fresh start allowed him to rebuild his following from a smaller base.
The church expanded rapidly over the next decade, eventually relocating to a much larger facility and changing its name to Cornerstone Church. Today, Cornerstone claims tens of thousands of active members and broadcasts its services internationally. The successful re-establishment of his ministry demonstrated the loyalty of a core group of followers who chose to overlook or forgive the past scandal.
Marriage to Diana Castro
In 1976, roughly a year after his divorce, Hagee married Diana Castro, a member of his congregation. This union has endured for decades, with Diana actively involved in church leadership and administration as the chief of staff for John Hagee Ministries and an event coordinator for women's ministries at Cornerstone Church.
The marriage brought together a blended family, and Hagee's children from both marriages have grown up within the sphere of his ministry. His son, Matt Hagee, serves alongside him as part of the pastoral staff at Cornerstone Church, helping secure the family's ongoing institutional legacy.
Criticism and Public Discourse
Critics and secular commentators frequently point to Hagee's marital history when analyzing his public stances on social and moral issues. Because he frequently preaches on the sanctity of traditional marriage and issues stern warnings regarding societal moral decline, detractors often label his past actions as hypocritical.
Conversely, supporters emphasize the concepts of repentance and restoration. Within many evangelical frameworks, a leader who confesses wrongdoing, steps down, and seeks spiritual healing can eventually return to active ministry, even if certain restrictions remain a subject of debate among different denominations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has John Hagee been married?
John Hagee has been married twice. He was married to Martha Downing from 1960 to 1975, and he married his current wife, Diana Castro, in 1976.
Why did John Hagee leave Trinity Church?
Hagee resigned from Trinity Church in 1975 after issuing a letter to his congregation admitting to personal immorality, which coincided with the breakdown of his first marriage.
Is Diana Castro involved in John Hagee Ministries?
Yes, Diana Hagee serves as the chief of staff for John Hagee Ministries and plays a key leadership role in women's ministries at Cornerstone Church.
What is the history of Cornerstone Church?
Cornerstone Church originated as The Church at Castle Hills, which Hagee founded in 1975 following his departure from Trinity Church. It grew significantly over the decades to become a major San Antonio megachurch.
