Grammy-winning artist Kirk Franklin is back with his first solo album, Losing My Religion, in years and while doing so, he’s got a message for both the LGBT community and the Black church.
In a recent interview with the Grio, the contemporary gospel singer poured out his heart, addressing how the church has changed over the last decade and in the same sentence issued a public apology to the gay community for “homophobia” in the Black church.
“I want to apologize for all of the hurtful and painful things that have been said about people in the church that have been talented and gifted and musical, that we’ve used and we’ve embarrassed… and all this other horrible crap that we’ve done,” Franklin said. “We have not treated them like people. We’re talking about human beings, men and women that God has created.”
He continued, “The Bible is not a book that’s an attack on gay people … It’s not a book written to attack gay people.” Overall, Franklin said he wants people who identify as gay, straight or other to realize that God is all about grace and love.”
“It is horrible that we have made it where the Bible is a homophobic manual,” Franklin said. “That’s not what the Bible is. I mean you want to talk about things that God gets at… pride and jealousy and envy and arrogance. But what we also see is God sending his son to save us all, because we were all… straight, gay or whatever, lostand in need of a savior, and there’s room at the cross for all of us.”
If Franklin’s recent interview is any indication of how he plans to push the boundaries on his upcoming album, we’re all ears. The 45-year-old’s Losing My Religion is available in stores and for digital download today, Nov. 13.
What do you think of Franklin’s stance on the LGBT community and the Black church? Sound off in the comment section below.
