Not Rated / Documentary / 1 hour, 10 minutes

In a large cathedral with stained glass windows and mahogany pews stands Rafiq Jordan, a young, African American filmmaker. Here, in a Black Church, the oldest Black institution in the U.S, he encounters a cornerstone of the Black experience. Through the years of oppression and pain, the Black church has remained. Nevertheless, in the light of the current decline in church attendance amongst Blacks, the loss of its central role in African American communities and the rising discontent with the institution’s practices, some argue that the Black church is dead. Is it true? Rafiq embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the church’s biggest critiques. As he navigates through captivating conversations with activists, progressive-thinking pastors, and prominent scholars, Rafiq will unveil the church’s hidden connection to politics, race, and the fight for justice. Is this the end of the Black church or is it only the beginning?

Part of our Black Lens Film Week