Christian music star Jennifer Knapp comes back and comes out

[Ferret Annica]

Source: CNN

(CNN) -- Rumors were rampant when Christian music artist Jennifer Knapp walked away from a successful career seven years ago.

After selling about a million records and winning at Christian music's prestigious Dove Awards in 1999, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter simply vanished in 2003 -- leaving fans wondering where she had gone. There were countless theories as to why Knapp checked out, including the possibility of illness.

But the one that raised the most ruckus among her die-hard fans was the one which proved to be true: Jennifer Knapp is gay.

This week Knapp burst back onto the music scene with news of a comeback and a coming out. Her new album will be released in May, and she has revealed that she has been in a same-sex relationship for the past eight years.

The revelation rocked the Christian music scene, where Knapp was a darling of fans and critics before her self-imposed exile. The intensely private singer said she's not at all surprised by the shock waves.

Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/16/jennifer.knapp.gay/?hpt=C2

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I am sure many Christians who are bigoted against people for homosexuality will throw a tantrum at this. I applaud Jennifer Knapp for her honesty and principled treatment of this aspect of her life nobody has a business criticizing. And I wish her luck now she's back.

[supernova]

1. Good for Ms Knapp!

I don't listen to xtian music, but I wish her every success and happiness in being true to herself.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. I see CD burning parties in the future..... Good for her for coming out! :^)

[Xenotime]

3. I'm surprised the Christian music scene isn't just heaving from this.

[Sebastian Doyle]

4. Oh they will be.

Just give them a few days. This story is just circulating now. They'll be burning her in effigy by next week. :(

The "Christian" community was very harsh in their rejection of King's X frontman Doug Pinnick when he came out a few years back, and apparently singer Ray Boltz, got the unwelcome wagon from them as well.

And of course, we all know about gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, who used the "Jesus cured me" lie to hold on to his audience. :eyes:

[Bluenorthwest]

10. McClurkin also makes hay out of personal attacks against

out performers who threaten his sales and the bargains he struck to get that money. He names and trashes other artists, from the stage, by name, as part of his ongoing exploitation of bigotry. This is his whole act, and it is all an act. He tends to focus only on those in his own sales area, so this one will probably be safe from his slanders and gossip.

[Chulanowa]

9. Nah, there's a trick to it

That trick is, she's a woman. These people are capable of overlooking lesbians, for the most part. If she had a penis though, hoo boy,

[4lbs]

5. I'm now MORE likely to buy her music.

I plan to get several copies of each album and give them out as gifts.




http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Knapp/e/B000AP5VB8/ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel

[sinkingfeeling]

6. But, but, that's impossible! Just ask AFA. Somebody who's given their heart and soul to Christ

can't live a life of sin, specially when that sin is worthy of death!!

[Dappleganger]

7. Very happy for her

and that she's being bold with her faith as well. I hope she is able to help fill in the gap to minister to so many LGBT's of faith who need the encouragement. My best friend in high school was a christian and wanted to come out so badly but he was afraid. It didn't change his view of God, only of other people. We need to set the example by how we love. It seems like Knapp has a very good heart and I wish her all the best.

[DirkGently]

8. So hard to keep talent AND ideological purity

. . . isn't it?

:rofl:

[Onceuponalife]

11. When is Amy Grant coming out?

[idrahaje]

12. that'll be interesting.. they tossed Michael English for having an affair

wonder what being a lesbian will do....