It is obviously that it IS compatible, look at the men and women who make up the assorted MCC churches or online forum members of GayChristian.net - it is obvious that God is in the lives of many of these men and women.

There is one Gospel singer - Marsha Stevens - who is also gay and christian. I remember her music from singing in our church when I was a little kid, back in Marshaltown, IA. She has a beautiful voice and her music is still very uplifting. I say "still" because so many christians want to think that if you are gay you can't have a strong relationship with God. They believe that your life will only go down hill.

I think my parent believe that as well, if anything bad happens to you, it is because you are 'going against God' but if anything good happens, well... everyone has ups and downs. Yet for themselves, if anything good happens it is because God is blessing them and if anything bad happens it is either Satan going against them or it is 'just life'. Very much a double standard!

What got me posting was an article I was reading about another Gospel singer - Cynthia Clawson - that had come out in support of gays and has received attacks from mean-spirited, 'christians' who disapprove of her opening her heart and arms to the glbt community. A sad situation and one that is unfortunately, not surprising.

I was also reading about a guy who hosts a TBN (trinity broadcast network - Pat Robertson founder) show called REMIX that has come out of the closet and declared that he - Azariah Southworth - is still a christian while also being gay.

I never watched TBN, frankly couldn't stomach some of it's gaudiness and occasional hokiness, but I wish Azariah the best for his future and the show. I also pray that Cynthia doesn't let the ugliness of some 'christians' to spoil her love for those who still care. And a big thanks to Marsha for actually being one of the first out christian gays in the community - a definite leader in both music and life!

TBN host Azariah Southworth states why he chose to become a gay christian. Far from being original in his explanation, its already apparent that he has adapted quickly to the homosexual spirit. Its also apparent that the Spirit of Christ is not in him. That's the result of choosing a false identity over Christ. No matter how much a person co-ops the name of Jesus, the real spirit operating and dominating you is what will reveal itself most.

Despite repeated calls, TBN's media company refused to clarify TBN's position on homosexuality or the employment status of it gay host.

Addendum: This is the documentary Southworth he says he watched, noting that it influenced his decision to become a gay christian. Unless I missed something, I heard nothing about studying the scriptures or talking with my pastor, praying and seeking God, etc. Only talking with friends and doing "research".

UPDATE:Scroll down

That's right folks. The Trinity Broadcasting Network, America's #1 religious show, has produced (no surprise) another whopper of a story, although not for the glory of God.

The internet is ablaze thanks to the secular homosexual community about Azariah Southworth of Nashville (google his name for the rundown), who has announced he is now a homosexual christian.

Due to the fact that I watch very little TBN programming, I had never heard of Southworth, neither his "popular" youth show REMIX which consisted of showing videos and having religious rock personalities on as guests.

Those who are now applauding his open sin probably had never heard of him for the same reason. But now he is a star, a hero because he is one of them.

Words like brave, honest, genuine, authentic, courageous are being used to describe Southworth's actions.  He has said that he knows he will be (watch the choice of words) "I know I will be cut off from many in the Christian community".  There's no mention of his sin cutting him off from God.

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 This scripture lets us know that sin will indeed separate you from God. His love is steadfast, but unrepentant sin will cut off your relationship and fellowship with God. Look at the lexicon of this verse.

On his way out into the open Southworth makes an interesting claim, which is true.

"We all know there are so many other gay people in the Christian industry; they’re just all scared. I was scared, but now I’m no longer afraid."

All of the major genres of "Christian" music and entertainment are chocked full with ---not strugglers-- but people who are reveling in their sin privately. They are only waiting for an opportunity like Southworth, to announce that they are now comfortable with sexual immorality and their so-called faith. They are waiting for the further desensitization of the church to sin.

No word from TBN whether the show will be cancelled. Its doubtful. TBN's founder Paul Crouch, Sr. was at the center of a homosexual controversy himself. Paul Jr. recently divorced his wife after adulterating with new age religious profitess Pastor Melissa Scott [more info]. The network regularly features numerous false prophets and money-mongers so Southworth most likely has nothing to worry about. At least from the "Christian community".

UPDATE: According to About.com Southworth's show actually debuted on NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) but was later picked up by TBN's Youth Network. Southworth also "cooked and shopped" with his guests.

He told Brent Meredith of O & A:

I know I will be cut off from many within the Christian community, and if so, then they didn’t get the point of the life of Christ. I believe by me living my life honestly and authentically now, I am able to be a better person and a better Christian. We all know there are so many other gay people in the Christian industry; they’re just all scared. I was scared, but now I’m no longer afraid.

And he'll stop wasting precious time and energy trying to be someone he isn't. Azariah, as another person who's had to say "I know I will be cut off from many within the Christian community," you may be surprised by how much energy you have left over to do God's work now that you no longer have to spend it all on something that didn't need fixing.

It always makes me happy to see young people come out. My only regret was waiting until I was 30, but it was just the path I had to take, I guess. Now Southworth will have time to grow and mature in relationships if he wants to date. I feel pretty lucky to have met John right quick, like months after we both came out, which was almost at the same time. We think it was kind of miracle we found each other. Sounds silly, but frankly, I believe miracles are all that explain a lot of things in my life anymore.

Good luck, Azariah. I'll be praying for you. These first few months will be tough. You will have no shortage of people trying to scare you back into the closet. But as a gay friend of mine told me when I came out, you're already a lot stronger than you think you are.

(Update: My friend Jim sent me this link to an even more recent interview with Azariah. Evidently his coming out has caused quite a stir.)