FX has released its official trailer for The Secrets of Hillsong, which, essentially, is former Hillsong New York pastors, Carl and Laura Lentz’s, side of the story.
The upcoming four-part docuseries is based on Vanity Fair‘s exposé of the firing of Carl Lentz from the megachurch after he admitted to having an affair.
FX states that “everything will come to light” in announcing the trailer, which is based on Vanity Fair’s explosive reporting on the megachurch’s scandals. The series premieres May 19 on Hulu.
According to Relevant, Joel Chiodi, an executive producer of the docuseries, said the film would tell a “well-rounded and definitive story of Hillsong.”
“Because of these voices, along with unprecedented access to Carl and Laura Lentz, The Secrets of Hillsong offers new insights into how decades of scandal and corruption went unchecked within the church, and more importantly, at what it meant for the community left in their rubble,” Chiodi said.
The four-episode docuseries has been in development since 2021 and hails from Oscar and Emmy-winning Queer Eye producer Scout Productions and Vanity Fair Studios. It’s set to premiere Friday, May 19 at 10 PM with the first two episodes. The final two episodes will air May 26. All episodes will stream the next day on Hulu.
The series will be available on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
Lentz became widely known for his work as the lead pastor of Hillsong Church New York City, from 2010 until 2020. He attracted a lot of attention for his unconventional approach to preaching and his close relationships with many high-profile celebrities. All seemed well and the church was flourishing, attracting thousands of young people each Sunday.
In November 2020, it was announced that Lentz had been fired from his position at Hillsong due to what the church called “moral failures.” Lentz later revealed that he had cheated on his wife and was undergoing therapy for mental health and addiction issues.
Since leaving Hillsong, Lentz has remained out of the public eye. However, in early April we reported that Lentz has taken a new role at Tulsa’s Transformation Church.
The series will feature interviews with congregants navigating the still-unfolding global reckoning as Hillsong faces a raft of fresh revelations.
In March, My Christian Daily reported that former senior pastor, Brian Houston, has been forced to admit he had a DUI charge in California in February 2022, a minor detail he failed to disclose in explaining his resignation.
Houston pleaded guilty in a Southern California court to driving under the influence of alcohol and has been sentenced to three years of probation.
Mr Houston must also complete an alcohol program, enroll in victim impact counseling, and attend self-help meetings. He must also pay $140 in fines.
Mr Houston, who resigned from the Australian megachurch in March 2022, admitted to the charge late last month after mainstream media caught on to news that had flown under the radar. The incident occurred over a year ago. However, he never mentioned the charge when he explained why he resigned.
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