New documentary reveals the human cost of Hillsong
A new documentary hosted by a former member, exposes the human cost of controversial Pentecostal juggernaut, Hillsong.
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Former members of the controversial Hillsong Church are permanently tarred by their association with the Pentecostal juggernaut, says journalist Marc Fennell, who confronts his own past with the church in a new documentary.
Mr Fennell, who serves as both presenter and producer, said he’d remained largely silent about his Hillsong past – until now.
“The moment the rest of the world knows that you have this in your past, they don’t pay attention to whether you liked it, hated it or if you left,” Mr Fennell said.
“You get tarred with it.”
Mr Fennell said while many people had positively transformed there lives through Pentecostalism, there were countless volunteers, staff, victims, and others who had been “completely chewed up and spat out by modern megachurches.”
In The Kingdom, Fennell highlights tithing within Hillsong, where a portion of churchgoers’ income is given to the church.
He reveals the way those funds are used, both for producing Hillsong’s massive conferences, as well as funding the lavish lifestyles of the church leaders.
Mr Fennell also explores how allegations of bullying, sexual assault and financial mismanagement have impacted Hillsong’s popularity, by speaking with current and former believers who expose the human cost of their involvement.
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The Walkley Award-winning journalist explains why he escaped from the church, where he saw adults “speaking in tongues” and “demons being thrown out of people”.
Despite its global dominance and celebrity followers, Hillsong’s popularity has been marred by controversy.
Co-founder, Brian Houston has been accused of covering up his father’s sexual abuse of children, a claim he denies.
The Kingdom premiers Thursday 8 June on SBS on Demand and 7.30pm Sunday 11 June on SBS.
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