Instead of honking for Jesus, maybe we should pause and lament over predatory pastors

The film *Honk for Jesus* has sparked reflection within the Black church community, particularly among those who lived through the controversies surrounding Bishop Eddie Long. Shot in Atlanta, the movie follows a pastor and his wife attempting to revive their church after the pastor’s sexual misconduct. While the film does not name Long directly, its storyline mirrors his 2010 allegations of abusing five young men, which led to his eventual downfall.

The author, who served as a youth pastor in the same county as Long’s New Birth Church, recalls the difficulty of addressing such issues during that time. He was advised by his pastor to avoid discussing the matter, especially on social media, highlighting a broader pattern within Black church culture of silence and avoidance. This approach, he notes, created an environment where abuse and misconduct were not confronted, but rather swept under the rug.

The film’s setting, just minutes from New Birth Church, adds a layer of irony. The location was once home to The Cathedral of Chapel Hill, led by Bishop Earl K. Paul, Long’s mentor. Long spent significant time on that campus, studying under Paul, which further connects the film to the real-life struggles of the Black church. The author found himself reflecting on his own role in not addressing the sexual misconduct that occurred within the community.

This introspection is not new for the author. Last year, he interviewed the current pastor of New Birth, Jamal Bryant, in Long’s former office. The experience brought back memories of the alleged abuse that may have taken place in that very space. It underscores the lingering impact of past failures within the church to address such serious issues.

The film’s portrayal of a church’s struggle with scandal and redemption has prompted a deeper examination of accountability and transparency within the Black church. As the author reflects, the movie serves as a mirror, revealing the need for greater courage and honesty in confronting wrongdoing, even when it involves those in positions of influence.

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