"The Great Debaters" takes the big screen on Christmas Day, and days ahead of the nationwide release, black churchgoers are already hailing the film for the hope it conveys.
"This movie is phenomenal," said the Rev. Renee Franklin, pastor of Key-Stewart United Methodist Church in Gallatin, Tenn., according to the United Methodist News Service. "It reminds us of the rich gifts, God-given intelligence and great strength we have as African-American people of faith."
Hundreds of members from Nashville area United Methodist churches watched a sneak preview of the film starring Denzel Washington as director and star and co-produced by Oprah Winfrey....