Sarah Stankorb Criticises Carl and Laura Lentz’s New Book, Questions His Public Comeback

Journalist and author Sarah Stankorb has sharply criticised Carl and Laura Lentz's new marriage book, arguing that its focus on overcoming infidelity leaves wider questions about pastoral power and accountability unanswered.

In an Instagram post discussing her coverage for Slate, Stankorb challenged the premise of Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help You Heal the Hurt. She questioned whether the couple's experience of rebuilding their marriage adequately qualifies them to offer guidance without addressing the broader concerns surrounding Carl's former ministry.

"The book does not address his abuses of power from his trusted position as pastor," Stankorb wrote, accusing Lentz of exploiting people who trusted him because of that role.

Her criticism extended beyond the book to the opportunities available to charismatic religious leaders after public wrongdoing. Stankorb questioned why such figures can return to prominent platforms, seek forgiveness and earn money from accounts of their restoration.

"Why do they so often get to take a stage, ask forgiveness and then enrich themselves again, supposedly 'restored'?" she wrote.

Published by Simon & Schuster on October 20, the book presents the Lentzes' experience of marital rebuilding through ten conversations about betrayal, trust, family and healing. The publisher describes it as practical guidance for couples navigating the aftermath of infidelity.

Carl was dismissed from Hillsong in November 2020 and publicly acknowledged an extramarital affair. Subsequent scrutiny included allegations of sexual and emotional abuse involving the family's former nanny, Leona Kimes. Lentz has repeatedly denied those allegations.

Stankorb's post argues that a narrative centred on repairing a marriage can leave questions about a religious leader's treatment of others unresolved. She also shared remarks she said had been removed during editing of her Slate article, including her view that Lentz should accept a life away from public speaking.

"A contrite man would quietly be grateful to still have his family and stop chasing the high of public validation," she wrote.

The Lentzes have described the book as an account of continuing recovery. In a statement announcing it, they emphasised that their healing remained unfinished and that rebuilding their relationship would require lifelong work.

In a recent interview with RELEVANT, Carl also rejected the suggestion that he was organising a return to prominence.

"I've got no designs, no comeback tour," he said. Laura described the book as emerging from their individual healing and the work of rebuilding their relationship.

Stankorb's criticism brings the question of renewed public authority to the centre of the discussion: whether an account of personal restoration sufficiently addresses the responsibilities that come with being trusted to lead others.