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.
Faith On Trial
Don't miss out on the headlines from Faith On Trial. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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.
LISTEN TO THE FAITH ON TRIAL: HILLSONG PODCAST BELOW
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.
More Coverage
Originally published as New documentary reveals the human cost of Hillsong
Hillsong loses $100k a week amid ATO investigation
The crippling finances have been exposed in new financial documents, with the Christian megachurch losing an eye-watering $5 million in just one year.
Hillsong twist as Brian Houston starts new church
The megachurch is making a major change to its complaints process amid a tax office investigation into whistleblower documents that was examined in Faith on Trial podcast.
ATO probes Hillsong fraud claims
The Christian megachurch is being investigated by the Australian Taxation Office’s private wealth team over leaked financial records.
Moment I saw myself standing next to a Hillsong paedo
Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell has revealed his mixed — and deeply personal — feelings on the controversial Hillsong, and how he found a photo that he thought never existed.
‘Mockumentaries’: Hillsong founder hits out
Former Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston has broken his silence after the release of a new documentary series about the megachurch. See what he had to say.
Disgraced pastor speaks out after cheating scandal
Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz and his wife have broken their silence over his affair in a new docuseries exposing the megachurch. Listen to the podcast