The Black church has always been more than just a place of worship. It has been the heartbeat of the community, the foundation for survival, and the sanctuary where people found strength during times of struggle. But in recent years, many have begun to ask hard questions about what is really happening behind the pulpit.
One of those questions is captured in a provocative illustration featuring the late Pastor Carlton Pearson. While the image is meant to be comical and controversial, the deeper point it raises is no laughing matter. It challenges us to ask: has the Black church shifted so far from its original principles that it is now run by “fairy tales”?
This is not just about one man. It is about a wider issue within the institution that has shaped generations of Black people. The rise of openly gay pastors, and the countless others who remain hidden, has created a storm of conflict inside the church.
Some see this as progress—an acceptance of different lifestyles within a spiritual space. Others see it as a betrayal of scripture, a compromise of the very foundation on which the church was built. The clash of belief and behavior has left many confused, hurt, and questioning their faith leaders.
Whether we agree or not, the reality is this: the Black church is changing. And it is time for us to face these changes directly, with honesty and courage.
The Hidden Truth Behind the Pulpit
For generations, the Black church has served as both a spiritual refuge and a stage. Behind the pulpit, pastors are celebrated as leaders, counselors, and even celebrities. But in the shadows, many have lived double lives—preaching holiness on Sunday while hiding their true selves during the week.
This “undercover legion” of pastors has long been whispered about, yet rarely confronted. The pressure to appear righteous, combined with the fear of judgment, has driven many to live in secrecy. In the end, the congregation is left with leaders whose words do not match their actions.
The Illustration of Carlton Pearson
The artwork of Carlton Pearson captures this hypocrisy in bold imagery. His kneeling posture, the suggestive candy cane, the reptilian tail holding a rainbow flag, and the jar of “booty butter” send a message that cannot be ignored. It ridicules the hidden behaviors that many suspect but few dare to discuss openly.
The image is not about shaming one man—it is about holding up a mirror to the institution itself. The Black church, which once stood as the strongest moral guide for the people, now faces accusations of being corrupted from within.
Scripture Versus Reality
The Bible speaks clearly on certain matters, including relationships between men and women. For centuries, this has been the foundation of church teaching. Yet in practice, the reality is far different. Many of the very men who condemn same-sex relations from the pulpit are secretly involved in them.
This gap between scripture and reality creates a dangerous contradiction. Congregants are left wondering: are we being led by truth, or by lies? If the leaders cannot live what they preach, then what becomes of the message itself?
The Impact on the Community
The Black community has always leaned on the church for guidance. But when hypocrisy is exposed, the damage runs deep. Trust is broken. Faith is shaken. Young people, already drifting away from traditional religion, see the scandals and turn away completely.
This erosion of trust weakens the entire community. If the church loses its moral authority, then what takes its place? Too often, the answer has been nothing. And without a guiding institution, the people are left vulnerable to confusion, division, and spiritual emptiness.
A Question of Leadership
At the core of the issue is leadership. Can the Black church continue to follow men and women who live in contradiction? Can it survive when its leaders put image above integrity?
The truth is, leadership built on deception cannot last. No matter how powerful the sermons, no matter how large the congregations, lies eventually collapse under their own weight. A new standard of leadership must rise—one rooted in honesty, even if it is uncomfortable.
Looking Forward
The Black church cannot heal unless it faces its truth. Whether that truth is about sexuality, hidden sins, or financial corruption, the time for silence is over. The people deserve clarity. The community deserves leaders who live what they preach.
Until then, the question raised by the illustration remains painfully valid: is the Black church now run by fairy tales—or by truth?
The time has come for us to separate tradition from deception. For too long, the Black church has protected its image while ignoring the cracks in its foundation. Those cracks are now too wide to be hidden.
We must stop turning a blind eye to the double lives of our leaders. Silence only feeds corruption. The longer we ignore the truth, the more damage it does to the faith of our people.
The challenge is not just for pastors, but for the community itself. Will we demand honesty, or will we settle for showmanship? Will we accept fairy tales, or will we insist on truth?
The legacy of the Black church is too important to let it collapse under lies. It must be rebuilt—not on fear or fantasy, but on integrity and courage. Only then can it regain its place as the true heart of the community.
In the end, this is not about one man, or one illustration. It is about the future of our people. And that future depends on whether we choose truth over tales.
