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Magazine for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Christians Marks
8 Years as Spiritual Pacesetter
(Sumter, SC) -- From gay bishops to gay marriage, the issue
of homosexuality and religion increasingly dominate the news. This
month, Whosoever Magazine (http://www.whosoever.org) celebrates eight
years on the cutting edge of these issues. "Whosoever" is the first
and only online magazine providing inspiration, guidance and
information for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT)
Christians.
"When I founded 'Whosoever' in 1996, our first issue was on same-sex
marriage," recalls founder and editor Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge, a
former journalist, now an ordained minister. "We were way ahead of
our time even then and we are still setting the pace in issues of
importance to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of
faith."
Featuring interviews with such community leaders as Bishop John Shelby
Spong, John J. McNeil, Philip Yancey and others, "Whosoever" provides
unique insights into GLBT spirituality. The magazine explores many
topics of faith from the GLBT perspective including grace, spiritual
self-defense, loving one's enemies and living a life of integrity.
"Despite our scholarly look at virtually every area of spiritual
life, the most popular part of Whosoever.org is the Bible and
homosexuality section that covers the passages most often used to
condemn homosexuals," Chellew-Hodge points out. "Our community has
made incredible advances in the last eight years, but many Christians
are still struggling with the scripture and how to reconcile their
spirituality and sexuality."
The good news proclaimed by "Whosoever" is that the Bible holds no
condemnation for GLBT persons.
"Certainly the Bible speaks negatively of same-sex rape, pagan temple
practices and promiscuity," explains Chellew-Hodge. "But, the Bible
never condemns loving, committed gay or lesbian relationships.
Instead, the Bible reveals Jesus' message of grace for all people."
Chellew-Hodge founded the magazine after despairing over the scarcity
of resources for GLBT Christians and the continued condemnation of
the GLBT community by other Christian publications.
"I couldn't make it through an issue of any popular Christian magazine
without reading something that bashed homosexuals," she exclaims. "Our
community needed a magazine dedicated to GLBT Christians' unique
spiritual needs."
To meet those needs, "Whosoever" publishes a diverse collection of
community voices.
"I've read articles in 'Whosoever' that I would never have published
because I so strongly disagreed with it, but Candace has the courage
to put it out there. That's the main reason I recommend the site to
people," says reader and contributing writer Neil Ellis Orts of
Houston, Texas. "They'll find things they agree with, things they
won't, things to give them comfort, things to unsettle them."
To Chellew-Hodge, the real miracle of "Whosoever" is the generosity
of its contributing writers and supporters. The magazine has no paid
staff. All writers, including Chellew-Hodge, volunteer their time and
talents. "Whosoever" is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and
contributions from readers and supporters help cover the costs of
keeping the magazine online.
"Each person contributes because they want to help GLBT people
realize that God loves them just as they are," Chellew-Hodge says.
After eight years, the message seems to be getting through. On
average, Whosoever.org receives half a million visits each year.
"Whosoever.org is an oasis of spirituality that is inclusive, open,
and welcoming to all people," said Adam DeBaugh Director of Chi Rho
Press in Gaithersburg, Maryland. "Whosoever embodies all that is good
about our faith as Christians. It never fails to inspire and
empower."
Contact: Candace Chellew-Hodge, (803) 491-5116, editor@whosoever.org
"Always forgive your enemies...nothing annoys them quite so much." Oscar Wilde
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