Documentary series to probe Hillsong and Carl Lentz scandal

Carl Lentz led Hillsong NYC for 10 years before being fired amid a cheating scandal

A new documentary series is to take a closer look at Hillsong in the wake of the Carl Lentz scandal that led to a major overhaul across the Australia-based Church.

Breaking Hillsong is to air on Discovery+, although a release date has not been given yet.

The three-part series is a partnership between Breaklight Pictures and The New York Post, which has run a number of stories on Hillsong and former members by investigative journalist Hannah Frishberg.

The documentary will include interviews with current and former Hillsong members, as well as Ranin Karim, the New York-based fashion designer who claimed to have a five-month affair with Lentz. 

"The project will chronicle the headline-making world of global star-studded megachurch Hillsong and the downfall of its ultra-hip, celebrity senior pastor, Carl Lentz," said Discovery+. 

"Breaking Hillsong will take viewers into the world of Hillsong, the megachurch with more than 150,000 global members that has recently come under scrutiny.

"The series will profile numerous current and ex-members of the church who have come forward en masse to share harrowing stories of the trauma, abuse, financial and labor exploitation, homophobia and racism that created a culture of chaos at Hillsong.

"Additionally, Breaking Hillsong will examine the greater phenomenon of corruption within megachurches."

Lentz admitted to cheating on his wife when he was fired as the pastor Hillsong NYC last November for moral failure and "leadership issues".

But the scandal didn't end there, and other locations were affected as people came forward with allegations of lavish spending, inappropriate relationships or behavior, and a culture that put pastors and celebs on a pedestal.

Hillsong senior pastor Brian Houston addressed the controversy in an interview with NBC's Today show last month in which he said the issues with Lentz included "lying" and "narcissistic behaviour".

Since Lentz left, Reed and Jess Bogard of Hillsong Dallas have resigned and the Dallas operations suspended. Darnell Barrett of Hillsong Montclair also resigned over a photo scandal.

News
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder
Kelsey Grammer says he nearly lost faith after beloved sister's horrific murder

“Frasier” actor Kelsey Grammer opened up about how he “cursed God” following the murder of his sister, but love — and a “reawakening” that happened while promoting the film “Jesus Revolution” — restored his faith. 

Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg
Mainz Cathedral unveils world’s 'largest Bible page' to honour Gutenberg

Mainz Cathedral in Germany is showcasing the world’s largest Bible page to the public in honour of the 625th birthday of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press and producer of the Gutenberg Bible.

Council backs down on street preaching restrictions
Council backs down on street preaching restrictions

A council in Hampshire has agreed to withdraw attempts to impose a court injunction restricting Christian street preaching and other activities in public spaces. 

The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire
The unyielding faith of one woman that shook an empire

In the year AD 203, a young woman named Vibia Perpetua stepped into a Roman arena in Carthage, North Africa. The crowd jeered, wild beasts prowled, and death was certain. Yet she did not hesitate.