Reports claim Justin Bieber may be starting his own church

According to reports, the real reason Justin Bieber cancelled his Purpose tour is to focus on faith and start his own church.

In a "world exclusive", Australia's Today Extra said: "I am led to believe that the real reason he's come off the road is because he wants to reconnect with his faith and maybe even planning to start his own Church.

"Whether he's looking at teaming up with [Hillsong] ... or starting his own church, we're not quite sure ... That's the word from an inside source."

Bieber is closely linked to "rock star preacher" Carl Lentz, who is a Hillsong church superstar, and Lentz has joined Bieber on the road during the Purpose tour, including visiting New Zealand earlier this year.

Bieber regularly speaks about his faith in person and on social media, and at this year's Hillsong Conference said: "My faith grows every day, so my faith is stronger than two years ago; better, wiser, kinder."

The official statement from Bieber's team simply says: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Justin Bieber will cancel the remainder of the Purpose World Tour concerts. Justin loves his fans and hates to disappoint them. He thanks his fans for the incredible experience of the Purpose World Tour over last 18 months.

"He is grateful and honoured to have shared that experience with his cast and crew for over 150 successful shows across 6 continents during this run. However, after careful consideration he has decided he will not be performing any further dates."