Christian rockstar's revelation she is lesbian stuns some fans

(Photo: BBC)Chistian rock star Vicky Beeching who says she is a lesbian shocked some of her fans with her revelation in August 2014, seen when she appeared on the BBC Sunday Morning Live on August 11, 2013.

A British Christian rockstar who has made it big in U.S. mega-churches has revealed in an interview that she has been struggling with homosexuality for years.

Vicky Beeching, known for her songs "Great is Your Glory" and "Deliver," told The Independent newspaper she hid her sexuality from her parents, church, and thousands of Christians who patronized her songs.

Beeching's coming out on August 13 came as a surprise to many as she is a theologian who spends holy days with her bishop.

She is a composer and singer whose God-fearing lyrics have inspired millions in the United States and she is a regular television and radio commentator expressing thoughts on social issues.

Beeching was even nominated for The National Diversity Awards in the category of "Positive Role Model Race, Faith & Religion."

The songwriter wants her fans to know the truth despite possible persecution.

"I'm gay," she revealed. "What Jesus taught was a radical message of welcome and inclusion and love. I feel certain God loves me just the way I am."

On social media, the artist has been criticized for her actions. Some critics say that she'll be judged for leading others astray while others commented that the way she presented homosexuality has painted it as an acceptable way of life.

"Years ago Kevin Prosh, a worship leader with Vineyard, was told to leave worship leading after having a straight affair in his marriage. So why is it only 20 years later OK to be gay and carry on regardless of the Bible? Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever," wrote Dave Kelly.

But along with the criticism are messages of hope from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community within the Church.

They said that it is a welcoming revelation since most of them have spent years feeling excluded.

Growing up in church had prompted Beeching to conceal her emotions and true identity. At a Christian camp, she went through exorcism to deliver her from homosexual emotions.

But a recent illness made her come out. She initially told the truth to her family and Katherine, the daughter of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

"What Jesus taught was a radical message of welcome and inclusion and love. I feel certain God loves me just the way I am, and I have a huge sense of calling to communicate that to young people."

Four years ago, famous Christian singer Jennifer Knapp shocked the world with her revelation of a homosexual relationship.

She is "now an advocate for LGBT issues in the Church" and maintains that she is both gay and a Christian.

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