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Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz: 'At this church, we are not saying "all lives matter" right now

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"Because, right now, black lives apparently are worth LESS on our streets."

 Chris Enloe
September 28, 2016
Image source: Hillsong NYC Facebook

Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz has struck a nerve.

The pastor took to Facebook Sunday to explain why his church — made up of Hillsong's NYC campuses — will not be using the phrase "all lives matter." Instead, Lentz wrote, his church will be saying "black lives matter."

The pastor wrote:

At THIS church, we are not saying 'all lives matter' right now because this is a logical assumption that most reasonable people agree with. All lives are not at risk right now. We ARE saying BLACK LIVES MATTER. Because, right now, black lives apparently are worth LESS on our streets. It's "our fight" not "their fight."

The short message was posted as a preview of what Pastor Lentz was preaching about that day. However the message, which is seen as controversial in the church world, may have led someone to pull a fire alarm at their New Jersey campus, according to Lentz.

Lentz, a world-renowned preacher who has shared the Gospel in numerous countries, leads a church that is known for breaking through the stereotypical church narrative and engaging in discussions on social injustice and race.

Earlier last week, amid two more police shootings that left two black men dead and thousands protesting in Tulsa and Charlotte, Lentz posted a black and white photo to Instagram, noting the irony of the filter.

"What's ironic about using a "black and white" filter on a photo, is that you can't really tell who's black, and whose white..ironic.." Pastor Lentz wrote.

What's ironic about using a "black and white" filter on a photo, is that you can't really tell who's black, and whose white..ironic.. Last night we had a meeting w/ some faithful leaders in our church, who are mostly black, to begin what will be an ongoing discussion on progressive diversity..We talked about things that were very frustrating/sad/uncomfortable and vulnerable.. Things like how it feels to be black in America right now. I also asked how it feels to be black, and a faithful part of @hillsongnyc ...all I can say, is that I'm glad to be a part of a church and community that is a work in progress and discontented w/ status culture quo..I would encourage anybody who cares about people, to somehow find a way to hear voices of those that don't share your journey. It will impact you. And times are as urgent as they have ever been... What's cool to me?? I don't see this photo and think about color. I see this photo and I think about family.. #occupyallstreets also.. Shout out to Corey Robinson who declared "I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING BLACK! EVERYTHING!" Haha i cannot relate, but you totally convinced me..see you at exchange tonight @hillsongnyc

A photo posted by Carl Lentz (@carllentz) on

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