Showing posts with label featured. Show all posts
Showing posts with label featured. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Jesus in Love Blog moved to Qspirit.net


The Jesus in Love Blog has moved to Qspirit.net, a new website on queer spirituality with LGBTQ saints, history and books.

Please visit Qspirit.net/blog/ and save the link to keep up with future posts from the Jesus in Love Blog.

People who currently get posts by email will need to sign up again to continue their email subscription.  There is no need to update subscriptions to the monthly newsletter.

The new Qspirit.net website will make the Jesus in Love blog much more accessible to people through mobile devices, social media and search engines. Q Spirit has a new Facebook page at facebook.com/qspiritual.

The Q Spirit project comes from lesbian Christian author Kittredge Cherry, who founded Jesusinlove.org in 2005 and launched Q Spirit in November 2016.

The Jesus in Love Blog expands the meaning of holiness by presenting diverse historical people, events and books of spiritual and religious significance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people of faith and allies. It promotes LGBTQ spirituality and religious freedom by teaching love for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Q Spirit means queer spirituality. It also stands for questioning spiritual traditions,” she said. “The name Q Spirit is a more accurate reflection of the content on my blog, which has grown beyond my initial focus on just Jesus to include many LGBTQ spiritual figures and other religious traditions. Don’t worry, my Jesusinlove.org website will continue to emphasize LGBTQ visions of Christ. Q Spirit provides extra room to grow.”

The Q in LGBTQ can mean “queer” or refer to people who are “questioning” their gender identity or sexual orientation.

“The Q Spirit website is about questioning spiritual and religious assumptions,” Cherry explained. “It questions standard Bible interpretations and conventional history. I bring a spirit of questioning authority and checking facts to my website. Q Spirit is on a quest for spirituality beyond all boundaries.”

The Q Spirit logo symbolizes the universal Spirit expressed in a unique way through queer experience. Cherry worked with queer Welsh artist Andrew Craig Murphy-Williams to design the logo. The rainbow colors of the contemporary LGBTQ flag create a colorful “Q” with a long tail that cradles and uplifts the Spirit. Basic black text conveys the fundamental, all-inclusive quality of the Spirit.

Cherry is passionately committed to Jesus in Love and Q Spirit because they grew out of her own personal journey as an author, minister and historian. She considers her work at Jesus in Love and Q Spirit to be a calling that she aims to pursue with grace even in the face of bigotry.

“I will keep faith with my responsibilities as a writer who seeks to know and reveal the all-inclusive nature of God,” she said.

Cherry has earned the trust of thousands of readers. At this time of transition, she reaffirms that she will continue bringing them cutting-edge LGBTQ spiritual articles. “I promise to keep doing what I believe in: presenting LGBTQ spirituality so that people can make up their own minds."

Jesusinlove.org was launched almost exactly 11 years ago on Nov. 17, 2005 with a news release titled “New website dares to show gay Jesus.” The very first blog post here at jesusinlove.blogspot.com was “Introduction” on June 26, 2007. Nine years later, the Jesus in Love Blog must change with the times and adopt a better blogging platform.

Q Spirit will become an online home for past and future articles from the Jesus in Love Blog and Newsletter. Readers call it inspiring, informative, courageous, “truly a light in the darkness for gay Christians” and “always fabulous."


Friday, October 07, 2016

Sergius and Bacchus: Paired male saints, Roman soldiers, Christian martyrs


Saints Sergius and Bacchus were third-century Roman soldiers, Christian martyrs and men who loved each other. Their story is told here in words and pictures for their feast day today (Oct. 7).

The close bond between Sergius and Bacchus has been emphasized since the earliest accounts, and recent scholarship has revealed their homosexuality. The oldest record of their martyrdom describes them as erastai (Greek for “lovers”). Scholars believe that they may have been united in the rite of adelphopoiesis (brother-making), a kind of early Christian same-sex marriage.

For a new version of this article, click this link to Qspirit.net:
Sergius and Bacchus: Paired male saints loved each other in ancient Roman army


From ancient times until today these “gay saints” have inspired some of the most beautiful art depicting the holiness of same-sex couples, sometimes in a homoerotic way. One of the newest is the icon at the top of this post. It was painted by a member of the Cristianas y Cristianos de Madrid LGTB+H (CRISMHOM), an LGBT Christian community in Madrid, Spain. The artist is serving as a missionary in Mozambique.  He portrays Christ inside a rainbow medallion uniting Sergius and Bacchus as they join hands and gaze into each other's eyes. Sacred flames burn in their hearts.

A classic example of paired saints, Sergius and Bacchus were high-ranking young officers. Sergius was primicerius (commander) and Bacchus was secundarius (subaltern officer). They were tortured to death around 303 in present-day Syria after they refused to attend sacrifices to Zeus, thus revealing their secret Christianity.

Saints Sergius and Bacchus. 7th Century icon from St. Catherine's Monastery on Mt. Sinai in Israel. Now in an art museum in Kiev, Ukraine. (Wikimedia Commons)

The men were arrested and paraded through the streets in women’s clothing in an unsuccessful effort to humiliate them. Early accounts say that they responded by chanting that they were dressed as brides of Christ. They told their captors that women’s dress never stopped women from worshiping Christ, so it wouldn’t stop them, either. Then Sergius and Bacchus were separated and beaten so severely that Bacchus died.

According to the early manuscripts, Bacchus appeared to Sergius that night with a face as radiant as an angel’s, dressed once again as a soldier. He urged Sergius not to give up because they would be reunited in heaven as lovers. His statement is unique in the history of martyrs. Usually the promised reward is union with God, not with a lover. Over the next days Sergius was tortured and eventually beheaded.

Sergius’ tomb became a famous shrine, and for nearly 1,000 years the couple was revered as the official patrons of the Byzantine army. Many early churches were named after Sergius, sometimes with Bacchus. They have been recognized as martyrs by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches. The pair was venerated through the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Latin America and among the Slavs.

Yale history professor John Boswell names Sergius and Bacchus as one of the three primary pairs of same-sex lovers in the early church in his book “Same Sex Unions in Pre-Modern Europe”. (The others are Polyeuct and Nearchus and Felicity and Perpetua.)

The Roman Catholic Church stripped Sergius and Bacchus from its liturgical calendar in 1969 -- the same year that New York’s Stonewall riots launched the modern gay liberation movement. Supposedly they were “de-canonized” due to lack of historical evidence, but some see it as an anti-gay action since they clearly had churches dedicated to them long before medieval times. Sergius and Bacchus continue to be popular saints with Christian Arabs and now among LGBT Christians and their allies.

“Sergius and Bacchus” by Alessio Ciani

In a striking 2013 painting, Alessio Ciani of Italy shows young Sergius and Bacchus embracing in their red-and-white military uniforms. He has done a wide variety of LGBT illustrations and gay homoerotic art. His work has been exhibited in Milan and Perugia.

“Sts. Sergius and Bacchus” by Plamen Petrov, St. Martha Church, Morton Grove, IL

Another new image of third-century gay saints Sergius and Bacchus is a stained glass window donated in 2011 to an Illinois church by its LGBT parishioners. The new Sergius and Bacchus window (above) was dedicated in September 2011 at St. Martha’s Church in Morton Grove, Illinois, as a gift from its LGBT members. Rev. Dennis O’Neill, pastor, believes it is the first window dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus in any church in the United States. O’Neill is the author of Passionate Holiness: Marginalized Christian Devotions for Distinctive People. The book includes a chapter retelling the love story of Sergius and Bacchus with historical detail.

The Sergius and Bacchus window is part of a project in which members of St. Martha’s diverse congregation were selecting and paying for a set of 20 windows of saints from their various homelands. LGBT members contributed the “friendship window” depicting Sergius and Bacchus. It is a companion to the “marriage window” which shows St. Elizabeth of Hungary and her husband, Blessed Ludwig of Thuringia.

Artist Plamen Petrov worked with Daprato Rigali Studios to design and create the stained glass windows. He was born in Sevlievo, Bulgaria in 1966 and currently lives in Chicago. He graduated from University St. Cyril and St Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s Faculty of Fine Art in 1995, with an M.F.A. in graphic art - printmaking and pedagogy of figurative arts. For more than a dozen years he specialized mostly in stained glass, but his creativity takes many forms, since he also works in mosaics, murals, oil, acrylic, photography and graphic design. His artwork may be seen across Chicago and Illinois, and in many countries all over the world.

“Baccus and Sergius” by Brandon Buehring

Massachusetts artist Brandon Buehring included Sergius and Bacchus in his “Legendary Love: A Queer History Project.” He uses pencil sketches and essays “to remind queer people and our allies of our sacred birthright as healers, educators, truth-tellers, spiritual leaders, warriors and artists.” The project features 20 sketches of queer historical and mythological figures from many cultures around the world. He has a M.Ed. degree in counseling with an LGBT emphasis from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He works in higher education administration as well as being a freelance illustrator based in Northampton, Massachusetts.

The painting below is by California gay artist Rick Herold. “I over the years as a painter have been interested in the idea of the spirit and the flesh as one -- began by Tantric art influences and then using my Catholic background,” he told the Jesus in Love Blog. He paints with enamel on the reverse side of clear plexiglas.

“Saints Sergius and Bacchus” by Rick Herold (details below)

Herold has a bachelor of arts degree in art and theology from the Benedictine Monastic University of St. John in Minnesota and a master of fine arts degree from Otis Institute of Art in Los Angeles. His religious artwork included a Stations of the Cross commissioned by Bob Hope for a church in Ohio before a conflict over modern art with the Los Angeles cardinal led to disillusionment with the church. Herold came out as gay and turned to painting male nudes and homoerotica, which can be seen at RickHerold's website. (Warning: his home page has male nudity.)

“St. Bacchus and St. Sergius: Patrons of Same-Sex Couples by Maria Cristina

A banner saying “patrons of same sex couples” hangs above Bacchus and Sergius in a colorful icon by Maria Cristina, an artist based in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

“Saints Sergius and Bacchus” by Ray Avito

On the day that California artist Ray Avito first heard the story of Sergius and Bacchus, he sketched a  delightfully unpretentious portrait of the pair (pictured above).  He said it was based on “the suspicion that they may have been more than just comrades in arms.”

“Marriage of Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus” (2013) by Tony de Carlo

“Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus” by Tony de Carlo

Sergius and Bacchus are among the many saints painted by Georgia artist Tony de Carlo. Raised Catholic, he started painting saints to counteract the church’s demonization of LGBT people. For more info, see my article Tony De Carlo: Artist affirms gay love with saints, Adam and Steve, and marriage equality paintings.


“Saints Sergius and Bacchus” by Ryan Grant Long

Historical men who loved men, including Sergius and Bacchus, are painted by American artist Ryan Grant Long in his “Fairy Tales” series. Sergius and Bacchus are usually portrayed as static icons, side by side staring straight at the viewer. But Long catches them gazing into each other’s eyes during a private moment in their prison cell. For more info, see my article Artist paints history’s gay couples: Interview with Ryan Grant Long.

“Bacchus” and “Sergius” from the series “Five Saints” (2008) by Anthony Gayton. © Anthony Gayton / www.anthonygayton.com

Noted British photographer Anthony Gayton does stylized homoerotic photos based on the history of gay culture. He shows Sergius and Bacchus stripped and bound as prisoners in two separate photos. The images are intended to be shown together, but by design they can also be separated.

Appropriate Bible quotes are on banners above them. For Bacchus: “But I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.” (Psalm 89:33). For Sergius: “All thy commandments are faithful, they persecute me wrongly; help thou me.” (Psalm 119: 86)

His Sergius and Bacchus photos belong to the series “Five Saints.” In addition to exploring saints, Gayton’s work uses historical themes inspired by such diverse sources as mythology, Renaissance and Baroque painting and early photography. Gayton's work is published in his book Sinners and Saints.


Saints Sergius and Bacchus
By Brother Robert Lentz OFM, trinitystores.com

The Living Circle, an interfaith LGBT spirituality center founded by Dennis O’Neill, commissioned the above icon of the loving same-sex pair. It was painted by Brother Robert Lentz, a Franciscan friar and world-class iconographer known for his innovative icons. “Saints Sergius and Bacchus” is one of 10 Lentz icons that sparked a major controversy in 2005. Critics accused Lentz of glorifying sin and creating propaganda for a progressive sociopolitical agenda. They caused such a stir that in order to keep the peace between his Franciscan province and the Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Lentz temporarily gave away the copyright for the 10 controversial images to his distributor, Trinity Stores. Lentz’ own moving spiritual journey and some of his icons are included in the book Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More by Kittredge Cherry.

A 20th-century icon of Saints Sergius and Bacchus appears in the courtyard of the Monastery of Mar Sarkis and Bakhos in Maaloula, Syria. (Wikimedia Commons)

Their same-sex love story is set amid dramatic events of the Roman Empire events in the 2014 novel “The Passion of Sergius and Bacchus” by David Reddish. The explosive gay romance of the soldier-saints unfolds during the Roman Empire in the 2014 novel “The Passion of Sergius and Bacchus” by  David Reddish. Sergius and Bacchus meet, fall in love, have a commitment ceremony, and face deadly threats in a novel based on historical and archeological discoveries. It dramatizes the final gasp of paganism, the politics of newborn Christianity, and the re-discovered rites of same-sex unions performed by the early church. From the forests of Gaul to the streets of Constantinople, from the secret Christian hideaways of the deaconess Macrina to the palace of the emperor, the novel provides adventure and romance while examining questions of sexuality, faith, sacrifice, patriotism and the nature of God. It was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in the gay romance category.

A screenwriter as well as a novelist, Reddish has won awards for his political activism as well as pop culture acclaim for his fashion design work. He graduated with a degree in film from the University of Central Florida and resides in Los Angeles.

Icons of Sergius and Bacchus as “patrons of homosexuality” have been created by the artist known as Shoushan. They are available as cufflinks, pendants, lockets and bracelets through her My Altar shop.


One of the many traditional hymns to Saints Sergius and Bacchus includes this verse:

How good, or how pleasent is the brotherly knowledge of Your Martyrs, O God.
For they did not know natural brothers in the flesh,
but for the faith were considered brothers who struggled until death.
Through their prayers, O God, have mercy on us.

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Related links:

La Adelphopoiesis de San Sergio y San Baco” (“The Same-Sex Union of Sergius and Bacchus”) by Alfredo Müller Suárez Arana of Bolivia (Warning: male nudity)

Many icons, statues, and churches dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus can be viewed at:http://andrejkoymasky.com/liv/mar/mar01.html

Honoring (and Learning from) the Passion of Saints Sergius and Bacchus -- at The Wild Reed

St. Sergius and St. Bacchus at the Legacy Project

To read this article in Spanish (en español), go to:
Santos Sergio y Baco: Una pareja masculina martirizada en la antigua Roma (Santos Queer)

To read this article in Italian, to to:
La storia di Sergio e Bacco continua ad ispirare gli artisti contemporanei (Gionata.org)

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Top image credt: “Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus” from Cristianas y Cristianos de Madrid LGTB+H (CRISMHOM), an LGBT Christian community in Madrid, Spain

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This post is part of the LGBTQ Saints series by Kittredge Cherry. Traditional and alternative saints, people in the Bible, LGBTQ martyrs, authors, theologians, religious leaders, artists, deities and other figures of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and our allies are covered.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
Qspirit.net presents the Jesus in Love Blog on LGBTQ spirituality.


Icons of Sergius and Bacchus and many other saints are available on cards, plaques, T-shirts, mugs, candles, mugs, and more at Trinity Stores





Tuesday, October 04, 2016

Francis of Assisi’s queer side revealed


Historical records reveal a queer side to Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved religious figures of all time. The 13th-century friar is celebrated for loving animals, hugging lepers, and praying for peace, but few know about his love for another man and his gender nonconformity. His feast day is today (Oct. 4).

For a new version of this article, click this link to Qspirit.net:
Francis of Assisi: Queer side revealed for saint who loved creation, peace and the poor


Francis is “a uniquely gender-bending historic figure” according to Franciscan scholar Kevin Elphick He has spent years researching the queer side of Saint Francis, including travel to to the Italian town of Assisi. There he photographed artwork depicting the man he believes may have been the saint’s beloved soulmate: Brother Elias of Cortona.

Brother Elias (center) at the Baptismal font where St. Francis was christened in the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi, Italy. (Photo by Kevin Elphick)

When Francis (1181-1226) was a young man, he had an unnamed male companion whom he dearly loved -- and who was written out of history after the first biography. Other Franciscan friars referred to Francis as “Mother” during his lifetime. He encouraged his friars to be mothers to each other when in hermitage together, and used other gender-bending metaphors to describe the spiritual life. He experienced a vision of an all-female Trinity, who in turn saluted him as “Lady Poverty,” a title that he welcomed.

The earliest companion of Francis, a man whom Francis “loved more than any other because he was the same age” and because of “the great familiarity of their mutual affection” remains nameless. Elphick's research suggests that the unnamed soulmate of Saint Francis was Brother Elias of Cortona. Francis called Elias “Mother” and gave him a special blessing. Elias expressed much concern about Francis’ body and his health. Francis and Elias each describe the other in affectionate terms. However, very quickly after Francis died, Elias is written out of history and discredited. Elphick presents the scholarly evidence about their relationship in the detailed article at the Jesus in Love Blog: “Brother Elias: Soulmate to Saint Francis of Assisi?

Lady Jacoba
also known as
Brother Jacoba
(See full image below)

Francis allowed a widow to enter the male-only cloister, naming her “Brother Jacoba.” (Details about Jacoba are at the end of this article.) His partner in ministry was a woman, Clare of Assisi, and he cut her hair in a man’s tonsured style when she joined his male-only religious order.

Early evidence of these and other ways that Francis crossed gender boundaries are gathered in the ground-breaking unpublished master’s thesis “Gender Liminality in the Franciscan Sources” by Elphick, who is both a Franciscan scholar and a supervisor on a suicide prevention hotline in New York. He wrote the thesis for a master’s degree in Franciscan studies from St. Bonaventure University in New York.

Francis’ love for another man is described in his earliest biography, The First Life of St Francis of Assisi by Thomas of Celano, a follower of Francis who knew him personally. The biography was completed by 1230, just four years after Francis died. Celano says that when Francis was in his 20s, before embracing a life of poverty, he dearly loved a special male friend:

“Now there was a man in the city of Assisi whom Francis loved more than any other, and since they were of the same age and their constant association and ties of affection emboldened Francis to share his secret with him, he would often take this friend off to secluded spots where they could discuss private matters and tell him that he had chanced upon a great and precious treasure. His friend was delighted and, intrigued by what he had heard, he gladly accompanied Francis wherever he asked. There was a cave near Assisi where the two friends often went to talk about this treasure.”

In his thesis, Elphick points out, “Because homosexuality and ‘gay’ identities are modern constructs, it is impossible and inaccurate to attempt to read these modern categories into the personalities of historical figures.” Instead he uses the word “homoaffectional” to describe the relationship of Francis and his beloved companion.

“The relationship is inescapably homoaffectional, describing a shared intimacy between two Medieval men. That this first companion disappears from the later tradition is cause for suspicion and further inquiry.... The tone in Celano’s earliest account captures the flavor and intimacy of this relationship, perhaps too much so for an increasingly homophobic church and society.”

Francis and his beloved friend are seldom depicted by artists, but they are shown together in the rare and hard-to-find image above: “They shelter in a cave” (Se cobijan en una cueva) by Spanish painter José Benlliure y Gil. It is the 8th in his series of 74 images from the life of Saint Francis. The series was published by Franciscans in Valencia, Spain, in 1926 in a book to mark the 700th anniversary of the saint’s death. A commentary in Spanish about the picture is available online.

Elphick finds many more examples of what he calls “gender liminality” in historical documents on Francis. He defines liminality as “crossing the threshold of gender, either symbolically, or by actions within a person’s life that breach the social boundaries of gender.”

Francis was born to a wealthy Italian family in 1181 or 1182. As a young man he renounced his wealth, even stripping off his clothes, and devoted himself to a life of poverty in the service of Christ. He connected with nature, calling all animals “brother” and “sister” and celebrating them in his famous Canticle of the Sun.

“St. Francis ‘Neath the Bitter Tree”
By William Hart McNichols ©
He saw the face of Christ in lepers, the most reviled outcasts of his time, and nursed them with compassion.  William Hart McNichols puts Francis’ ministry into a contemporary context by showing him embracing a gay Jesus with AIDS in “St. Francis ‘Neath the Bitter Tree,” pictured here. Words on the cross proclaim that Christ is an “AIDS leper” as well as a “drug user” and “homosexual,” outcast groups at high risk for getting AIDS. The two men gaze intently at each other with unspeakable love as Francis hugs the wounded Christ. It was commissioned in 1991 by a New Jersey doctor who worked with AIDS patients, and is discussed in the book Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More by Kittredge Cherry.

McNichols created the icon in his own style based on a 1668 painting by Spanish painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo, which was surely inspired by the more passionate 1620 version of fellow Spaniard Francisco Ribalta. In Ribalta’s work (pictured below), Christ responds to St. Francis’ ecstatic kiss by giving the saint his crown of thorns, the symbol of suffering that leads to divine union.

“Saint Francis Embracing Christ” by Francisco Ribalta (Wikimedia Commons)

“St. Francis and the Sultan”
by Brother Robert Lentz, trinitstores.com
A famous peace prayer is attributed to St. Francis. It begins, “God, make me an instrument of your peace.” Late in his life Francis embodied this message through man-to-man Christian-Muslim dialogue in the Mideast, a region where people are still at war.

In 1219 Francis went to Damietta, Egypt, with the European armies during the Fifth Crusade. He hoped to discuss religion peacefully with the Muslims. He tried to prevent Crusaders from attacking Muslims at the Battle of Damietta, but he failed. Francis was captured and taken to the sultan Malek al-Kamil. At first they tried to convert each other, but each man soon recognized that the other already knew and loved God. They remained together, discussing spirituality, for about three weeks between Sept. 1 and Sept. 26. Robert Lentz celebrates their meeting as a model of interfaith dialogue in the icon “St. Francis and the Sultan,” pictured here.

“St Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata”
by Kevin Raye Larson © 1991
In 1224, when Francis was in his 40s, he received the stigmata -- marks like the crucifixion wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side. California artist Kevin Raye Larson emphasizes the sensuality of the ecstatic moment in “St Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata,” pictured here. The painting has appeared on the cover of the spirituality issue of “Frontiers,” the Los Angeles gay lifestyle magazine.

Along with the stigmata came other health problems. When Francis sensed death approaching, he called for Jacoba de Settesoli, a Roman noblewoman devoted to him and his teachings. Francis stayed in her house when in Rome.  Celano’s 13th-century account in the “Treatise on the Miracles of Blessed Francis” reports that Francis greeted the news of her arrival at the male-only cloister with a decidedly queer statement that breaks gender rules::

“Blessed be God, who has guided the Lady Jacoba, our brother, to us. Open the door and bring her in, for our Brother Jacoba does not have to observe the decree against women.”

The widow called “Brother Jacoba” by Francis kneels near the dying Francis of Assisi in “48. Jacoba of Settesoli is associated with the mourning” (Jacoba de Settesoli se asocia al duelo) by José Benlliure y Gil, 1926 (Wikimedia Commons)

Francis died a few days later on Oct. 3, 1226. Two years after Francis’ death, Pope Gregory IX declared him a saint and commissioned Celano’s biography, the one that includes the love between Francis and his male companion.

Elphick adds an intriguing footnote about how the queer side of Francis has manifested outside official Christianity. Francis is venerated in the Yoruba religion of Africa as Orunmila, the orisha of wisdom, patron of animals and a transgendered deity who engages in same-sex eroticism.

At the end of his thesis, Elphick concludes that breaking gender rules is an extraordinary God-given power or “charism” that Franciscans offer to the church and the world.

“What are the lives of figures like Mother Francis, Brother Jacoba and Mother Juana de la Cruz revealing to us in our own day? I think that the Franciscan charism of gender liminality has much to teach our Church and fellow community of humans in our day. In a church divided over issues of ordination of women, inclusive language, and sexual orientation, I believe that the Franciscan tradition has important figures to hold up and from whom to learn. For issues which we have not even yet begun to explore theologically in authentic ways, issues such as hermaphroditism, transsexuality, genderedness and sexual orientation, I believe the Franciscan voice can be prophetic.”

“Saint Francis in Ecstasy” by Caravaggio (Wikimedia Commons)
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Related links:
"The Message of St. Francis" by Kevin C. A. Elphick (The Empty Closet)

To read this post in Spanish / en español, go to Santos Queer:
San Francisco de Asís: La evidencia histórica revela su lado gay

Animal blessing events are happening all over the world this month for the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. Click here for animal blessing prayer by Kittredge Cherry.

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Top image credit: Francis of Assisi and the man he loved in “They Shelter in a Cave” by José ___Benlliure y Gil, 1926 (Wikimedia Commons)

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This post is part of the LGBTQ Saints series by Kittredge Cherry. Traditional and alternative saints, people in the Bible, LGBTQ martyrs, authors, theologians, religious leaders, artists, deities and other figures of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and our allies are covered.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
Qspirit.net presents the Jesus in Love Blog on LGBTQ spirituality.

Innovative icons of St. Francis and many others are available on cards, plaques, T-shirts, mugs, candles, mugs, and more at Trinity Stores



Sunday, June 05, 2016

Rainbow Christ Prayer translated into 10 languages: LGBT flag reveals the queer Christ


Translated for the first time into 10 languages, the Rainbow Christ Prayer matches the colors of the LGBT Pride Flag with the many faces of the queer Christ.

Today the prayer is posted for the first time in Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Polish, Portuguese and Russian.


For a new version of this article, click this link to Qspirit.net:
Rainbow Christ Prayer translated into 10 languages: LGBT flag reveals the queer Christ

Lesbian author Kittredge Cherry and gay theologian Patrick S. Cheng wrote the prayer based on the seven models of the queer Christ from Cheng’s book “From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ.”

Rainbow flags are flying around the world in June for LGBT Pride Month. Rainbows are also an important symbol in many religious traditions. The Rainbow Christ Prayer honors the spiritual values of the LGBTQ movement.

Progressive Christians believe that homosexuality is not a sin. Scholars say that the Bible does not condemn loving same-sex relationships. Therefore LGBTQ people should be accepted and affirmed by churches. The Rainbow Christ Prayer expresses the belief that LGBTQ people are a natural part of God’s creation.

The Rainbow Christ Prayer has been used by many progressive Christians for individual devotions and group worship. Conservatives denounced it as blasphemy.

The translation process inspired grassroots theological reflection on a global scale. Each translator raised questions about a different aspect of the queer Christ:

Does Rainbow Christ mean that Christ emits a rainbow or that Christ IS a rainbow? Is the Self-Loving Christ in love with himself? Do LGBT really feel shame about their sexuality? Is the Erotic Christ more about the power of life or about hot sexual practices? What does the Out Christ mean in cultures where there is no expression for “coming out of the closet”?

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the rainbow stands for God’s promise to support all life on earth. The prayer also incorporates the chakra system of seven energy centers of the human body.

The LGBTQ prayer takes on new meaning when read in a rainbow spectrum of languages from around the world.

Today’s post combines all the languages. Click the titles for individual articles with the Rainbow Christ Prayer in each language.

English: Rainbow Christ Prayer

Spanish: Oración al Cristo del Arco Iris

Chinese: 彩虹基督禱文

French: Prière au Christ Arc-en-Ciel

German: Gebet zum Christus des Regenbogens

Italian: La Preghiera del Cristo Arcobaleno

Japanese: 虹色のキリストへの祈り

Malay: Doa Kristus Sang Pelangi

Polish: Modlitwa do Tęczowego Chrystusa

Portuguese: Oração ao Cristo Arco-Íris

Russian: Молитва Радужному Христу

Please contact Jesus in Love if you want to translate the prayer into another language.








Rainbow Christ, you embody all the colors of the world. Rainbows serve as bridges between different realms: heaven and earth, east and west, queer and non-queer. Inspire us to remember the values expressed in the rainbow flag of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

Spanish: Cristo del Arco Iris, tú encarnas todos los colores del mundo. Los arco iris sirven como puentes entre los diferentes dominios: el cielo y la tierra, el este y el oeste, lo queer y lo no-queer. Inspíramos para recordar los valores expresados en la bandera del arco iris de la comunidad de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, transgénero, intersexuales y queer.

Chinese: 彩虹基督,你將這世上所有的色彩呈於一身。彩虹搭橋跨越天與地、東與西、酷兒與非酷兒的藩籬。激勵我們銘記彩虹旗上代表女同性戀、男同性戀、雙性戀、跨性別和酷兒群體色彩的意義。

French: Christ Arc-en-Ciel, tu incarnes toutes les couleurs du monde. Les arcs-en-ciel servent de ponts entre les différentes sphères : le ciel et la terre, l'est et l'ouest, queer et non queer. Donne-nous de nous rappeler les valeurs exprimées par le drapeau arc-en-ciel de la communauté lesbienne, gay, bisexuelle, transgenre et queer.

German: Regenbogen-Christus, du verkörperst alle Farben dieser Welt. Regenbögen sind Brücken zwischen den verschiedenen Welten: Himmel und Erde, Ost und West, Queer und Nicht-queer. Begeistere uns, damit wir uns an die Werte zu erinnern, die in der Regenbogenfahne der lesbisch, schwulen, bisexuellen, transgender und queeren Gemeinschaft zum Ausdruck kommen.

Italian: Cristo arcobaleno, tu incarni tutti i colori del mondo. L’arcobaleno crea ponti tra realtà diverse: cielo e terra, est e ovest, queer e non-queer. Ispiraci a ricordare i valori espressi nella bandiera arcobaleno della comunità lesbica, gay, bisessuale, transgender e queer.

Japanese: 虹色の主キリストよ,あなたは世のすべての色を表しています.虹は架け橋,天と地,東と西,差別される者とする者との架け橋です.わたしたち LGBTQ コミュニティの旗の虹色が何を意味しているかを,想い起こさせてください.

Malay: Kristus Sang Pelangi, engkau menggenapi seluruh warna-warni dunia. Pelangi adalah jambatan menghubungkan alam yang berbeza: langit dan bumi, timur dan barat, quir dan bukan-quir. Berikanlah kami ilham untuk mengingati nilai-nilai murni yang terpancar melalui bendera pelangi dari komuniti lesbian, gay, biseksual dan quir:

Polish: Tęczowy Chryste, ucieleśniasz wszystkie barwy świata. Tęcze łączą różne wymiary rzeczywistości: niebo i ziemię, wschód i zachód, to, co queer, i to, co nie queer. Przypominaj nam o wartościach wyrażanych przez tęczową flagę społeczności lesbijek, gejów, biseksualistów i osób transpłciowych.

Portuguese: Cristo Arco-Íris, tu encarnas todas as cores do mundo. Arco-íris servem como pontes entre diferentes mundos: o céu e a terra, leste e oeste, gay e hétero, cis e trans. Dê-nos inspiração para que lembremos os valores expressados na bandeira colorida da comunidade de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis, transexuais e transgêneros.

Russian: Радужный Христос, Ты объединяешь все краски мира. Радуги служат мостами между различными сферами: небом и землей, востоком и западом, квиром и не-квиром. Вдохновляй нас помнить ценности, выраженные в радужном флаге лесбиянок, геев, бисексуалов, трансгендеров и квир сообщества.


Red is for life, the root of spirit. Living and Self-Loving Christ, you are our Root. Free us from shame and grant us the grace of healthy pride so we can follow our own inner light. With the red stripe in the rainbow, we give thanks that God created us just the way we are.

Spanish: El color rojo simboliza la vida, la raíz del espíritu. Cristo Vivo y Amoroso, tú eres nuestra raíz. Líbranos de la vergüenza y concédenos la gracia de un orgullo sano a fin de que podamos seguir nuestra propia luz interior. Con la franja roja del arco iris, te damos gracias porque Dios que nos ha creado de la manera tal cual somos.

Chinese: 紅色代表生命,靈性之根。永生與自愛的基督,你是我們的依靠,將我們從羞恥中釋放,賜我們驕傲的恩典,讓我們可以追隨內心之光。籍彩虹旗紅色的條紋,我們感謝上主創造創造我們成我們所是的樣子。

French: Le rouge est pour la vie, l’origine de l'esprit. Christ de la vie et de l’amour de soi, tu es notre Origine. Libère-nous de la honte et accorde-nous la grâce d’une fierté saine afin que nous puissions suivre notre lumière intérieure. Avec la bande rouge dans l'arc en ciel, nous rendons grâce que Dieu nous ait créés tels que nous sommes.

German: Rot steht für Liebe, die Wurzel des Geistes. Lebender Christus, der du sagst, dass wir uns selber lieben dürfen, du bist unsere Wurzel. Befreie uns von Scham und schenke uns die Gnade eines gesunden Stolzes, so dass wir unserem eigenen, inneren Licht folgen können. Mit dem roten Streifen im Regenbogen danken wir, dass uns Gott genauso erschaffen hat, wie wir sind.

Italian: Il rosso è per la vita. Cristo vivente e amante, tu sei la Radice. Liberaci dalla vergogna e concedici la grazia di un sano orgoglio così da poter seguire la nostra luce interiore. Con la striscia rossa dell’arcobaleno, diamo grazie che Dio ci ha creati così come siamo.

Japanese: 赤は命,精気の源.永遠の命に生きておられ,御自身を愛しておられる主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの源です.自己否定感からわたしたちを解放し,わたしたちが自身の内なる光に導かれることができるよう,健全な誇りを持つ恵みをお与えください.虹の赤のもとに,わたしたちを今あるように創造してくださったことを神に感謝します.

Malay: Merah menggambarkan kehidupan, iaitu akar bagi roh. Sang Kristus yang hidup dan penuh cintakasih, engkaulah akar rohani kami. Bebaskanlah kami dari rasa malu dan berikanlah kami rahmat harga diri yang sihat supaya kami dapat mengikuti terang di dalam diri kami. Demi jalur merah pada pelangi, kami mengucap syukur kerana Tuhan Yang Maha Esa menciptakan kami seadanya.

Polish: Czerwień to życie, korzeń ducha. Żywy i kochający siebie samego Chryste, jesteś naszym Korzeniem. Uwolnij nas od wstydu i obdarz nas łaską zdrowej dumy, byśmy mogli podążać śladem swego wewnętrznego światła. Przez czerwony kolor tęczy dziękujemy Bogu, że stworzył nas takimi, jakimi jesteśmy.

Portuguese: Vermelho é a vida, a raiz do espírito. Cristo Vivo e Cheio de Amor, tu és nossa Raiz. Liberte-nos da vergonha e nos conceda a graça do orgulho saudável, a fim de que possamos seguir nossa luz interior. Com a faixa vermelha do arco-íris, damos graças a Deus por nos ter criado exatamente assim como somos.

Russian: Красный цвет символизирует жизнь, источник духа. Живущий и любящий себя Христос, Ты есть наш Источник. Освободи нас от стыда и даруй нам благодать разумной гордости, чтоб мы могли следовать нашему собственному внутреннему свету. Красной полоской радуги мы благодарим Бога за то, что он сотворил нас такими, какие мы есть.



Orange is for sexuality, the fire of spirit. Erotic Christ, you are our Fire, the Word made flesh. Free us from exploitation and grant us the grace of mutual relationships. With the orange stripe in the rainbow, kindle a fire of passion in us.

Spanish: El color naranja simboliza la sexualidad, el fuego del espíritu. Cristo Erótico, tú eres nuestro fuego, la Palabra echa carne. Líbranos de la explotación y concédenos la gracia de vivir relaciones mutuas. Con la franja naranja del arco iris, enciende el fuego de la pasión en nosotros.

Chinese: 橙色代表性慾,靈性之火。情慾的基督,你是我們的火光,道成了肉身,將我們從剝削中釋放,賜我們互惠的關係。藉彩虹旗橙色的條紋,上主點燃我們內心的激情。

French: L'orange est pour la sexualité, le feu de l'esprit. Christ Érotique, tu es notre feu, le Verbe fait chair. Libère-nous de l'exploitation et accorde-nous la grâce de relations réciproques. Avec la bande orange dans l’arc-en-ciel, allume en nous le feu de la passion.

German: Orange steht für Sexualität, das Feuer des Geistes. Erotischer Christus, du bist unser Feuer, das Wort das Fleisch geworden ist. Befreie uns von Ausbeutung und gib uns die Gnade gleichberechtigter Beziehungen. Mit dem orangen Streifen des Regenbogens entzünde ein Feuer der Leidenschaft in uns.

Italian: L’arancio è per la sessualità, il fuoco dello spirito. Cristo erotico, tu sei il nostro Fuoco, la Parola fatta carne. Liberaci dallo sfruttamento e concedici la grazia di mutue relazioni. Con la striscia arancio dell’arcobaleno accendiamo in noi il fuoco della passione.

Japanese: オレンジはセクシュアリティ,精気の炎.エロスの主キリスト,受肉なさった御ことばよ,あなたはわたしたちの炎です.相手を利用するだけの利己心からわたしたちを解放し,互いを思い合える恵みをお与えください.虹のオレンジのもとに,わたしたちのなかに情熱の炎をともしてください.

Malay: Jingga menggambarkan karunia seksualiti, iaitu api bagi roh. Eros Kristus, engkaulah Sang Api, Firman yang menjadi Manusia. Bebaskanlah kami dari segala eksploitasi dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk hubungan romantik yang penuh hormat dan saling memahami. Demi jalur jingga pada pelangi, semarakkan api cintakasih kami.

Polish: Pomarańcz to seksualność, ogień ducha. Erotyczny Chryste, jesteś naszym Ogniem, Słowem, które stało się ciałem. Uwolnij nas od wyzysku i obdarz łaską wzajemnych relacji. Przez pomarańczowy kolor tęczy roznieć w nas ogień namiętności.

Portuguese: Laranja é a sexualidade, o fogo do espírito. Cristo Erótico, tu és nosso Fogo, a Palavra feita Carne. Liberte-nos da exploração e nos conceda a graça do relacionamento mútuo. Com a faixa laranja do arco-íris, inflame-nos com o fogo da paixão.

Russian: Оранжевый цвет символизирует сексуальность, огонь духа. Эротический Христос, Ты есть наш Огонь, Слово, ставшее плотью. Освободи нас от эксплуатации и даруй нам благодать взаимных отношений. Оранжевой полоской радуги разожги в нас огонь страсти.



Yellow is for self-esteem, the core of spirit. Out Christ, you are our Core. Free us from closets of secrecy and give us the guts and grace to come out. With the yellow stripe in the rainbow, build our confidence.

Spanish: El color amarillo simboliza la autoestima, el núcleo del espíritu. Cristo Asumido, tú eres nuestra esencia. Líbranos de los armarios de la clandestinidad y danos el coraje y la gracia para salir de ellos. Con la franja amarilla del arco iris, construye nuestra confianza.

Chinese: 黃色代表自尊,靈性之核。出櫃的基督,你是我們的核心,將我們從隱秘的櫃中釋放,賜我們走出來的勇氣。藉彩虹旗黃色的條紋,上主堅立了我們的信心。

French: Le jaune est pour l'estime de soi, le fondement de l'esprit. Christ qui te révèles, tu es notre fondement. Libère-nous de l’enfermement dans nos secrets et donne-nous le courage et la grâce de nous révéler. Avec la bande jaune dans l'arc en ciel, renforce notre confiance.

German: Gelb steht für Selbstachtung, das Zentrum des Geistes. Offen lebender Christus, du bist unser Zentrum, Befreie uns aus den Gefängnissen der Heimlichkeit, und schenke uns den Mut und die Gnade, unser Coming out zu haben. Mit dem gelben Streifen des Regenbogens baue unser Selbstvertrauen auf.

Italian: Il giallo è per l’autostima, il nocciolo dello spirito. Liberaci dalle angustie della segretezza e dacci il coraggio e la grazia di svelarci. Con la striscia gialla dell’arcobaleno, costruisci la nostra fiducia in noi stessi.

Japanese: 黄色は自尊心,精気の核.何も隠さない主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの核です.こころを閉ざすことからわたしたちを解放してください.クロゼットから出る勇気と恵みをお与えください.虹の黄色のもとに,わたしたちに自信を持たせてください.

Malay: Kuning menggambarkan harga diri, iaitu teras bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pewarta, engkaulah teras kami. Bebaskanlah kami dari persembunyian diri yang membinasakan dan berikanlah kami keberanian serta rahmat untuk meyakini keberadaan kami. Demi jalur kuning pada pelangi, kuatkanlah keyakinan kami.

Polish: Żółty to szacunek do samego siebie, centrum ducha. Chryste, który nie wstydzisz się siebie samego, jesteś naszym Centrum. Uwolnij nas od ukrywania się i obdarz nas odwagą i łaską przyznania się do siebie. Przez żółty kolor tęczy buduj w nas pewność siebie.

Portuguese: Amarelo é a autoestima, o cerne do espírito. Cristo Assumido, tu és nosso Cerne. Liberte-nos dos armários e nos conceda a coragem e a graça de nos assumir. Com a faixa amarela do arco-íris, construa essa nossa confiança.

Russian: Желтый цвет символизирует самоуважение, стержень духа. Открывшийся Христос, Ты есть наш Стержень. Освободи нас от наших чуланов тайн и дай нам мужество и благодать открыться. Желтой полоской радуги укрепи нашу веру.



Green is for love, the heart of spirit. Transgressive Outlaw Christ, you are our Heart, breaking rules out of love. In a world obsessed with purity, you touch the sick and eat with outcasts. Free us from conformity and grant us the grace of deviance. With the green stripe in the rainbow, fill our hearts with untamed compassion for all beings.

Spanish: El color verde simboliza el amor, el corazón del espíritu. Cristo Transgresor, tú eres nuestro corazón, rompiendo las reglas en nombre del amor. En un mundo obsesionado por la pureza, tú tocas los enfermos y comes con los marginados. Líbranos de la conformidad y concédenos la gracia de la transgresión. Con la franja verde del arco iris, llena nuestros corazones de compasión hacia todos los seres vivos.

Chinese: 綠色代表愛,靈性之心。出格不守矩的基督,你是我們的內心,用愛打破陳規。在一個沉迷於聖潔之妄的世界中,你觸摸患病者、與流浪者同席。將我們從流俗的迎合中釋放,賜我們越軌的恩典。藉彩虹旗綠色的條紋,上主將我們的心充滿對萬物的悲憫。

French: Le vert est pour l'amour, le cœur de l'esprit. Christ hors la loi et transgressif, tu es notre coeur, brisant les règles par amour. Dans un monde obsédé par la pureté, tu touches les malades et tu manges avec les exclus. Libère-nous du conformisme et accorde-nous la grâce de sortir des sentiers battus. Avec la bande verte dans l'arc en ciel, remplis nos cœurs d’une compassion sauvage pour tous les êtres.

German: Grün steht für die Liebe, das Herz des Geistes. Gesetze übertretender Christus, du bist unser Herz, das die Regeln der Liebe sprengt. In einer Welt die besessen ist mit Reinheit, berührst du die Kranken und isst mit den Ausgestoßen. Befreie uns von der Eintönigkeit und schenke uns die Gnade des Widerstandes. Mit dem grünen Streifen des Regenbogens erfülle unsere Herzen mit ungezähmten Mitgefühl für alles Sein.

Italian: Il verde è per l’amore, il cuore, lo spirito. Cristo trasgressivo e fuori da ogni regola, tu sei il nostro Cuore, infrangi le regole per amore. In un mondo ossessionato dalla purezza tu tocchi i malati e mangi con gli emarginati. Liberaci dal conformismo e dacci la grazia della devianza. Con la striscia verde dell’arcobaleno, riempi i nostri cuori di compassione infinita per tutti gli esseri.

Japanese: 緑は愛,精気の心.律法を超越した主キリストよ,愛によって律法を打ち壊すあなたは,わたしたちの心です.浄さに執着するこの世において,あなたは,不浄と見なされた病人たちに触れ,差別された者たちと食事をともになさいます.因襲からわたしたちを解放し,律法に縛られずにいる恵みをお与えください.虹の緑のもとに,わたしたちの心を,律法にとらわれずにあらゆる存在を思いやる気持ちで満たしてください.

Malay: Hijau menggambarkan cintakasih, iaitu hati bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pencabar segala hukum yang sia-sia, engkau menolak hukum tegar atas nama cintakasih, engkaulah Hati kami. Pada saat duniamu begitu taksub dengan hukum kekudusan, engkau menyentuh orang yang dianggap terkutuk dan makan bersama orang yang tertindas. Bebaskanlah kami dari sikap akur yang membuta tuli dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk menolak kekerasan hukum. Demi jalur hijau pada pelangi, penuhi hati kami dengan belas kasihan yang luar biasa untuk segenap makhluk ciptaan Tuhan.

Polish: Niebieski to wyrażanie samych siebie, głos ducha. Chryste Wyzwolicielu, jesteś naszym Głosem, przemawiającym przeciwko wszelkim postaciom opresji. Uwolnij nas od apatii i obdarz łaską aktywności. Przez niebieski kolor tęczy motywuj nas, byśmy żądali sprawiedliwości.

Portuguese: Verde é o amor, o coração do espírito. Cristo Transviado, Marginal, tu és nosso coração, violando as regras por amor. Em um mundo obcecado com a pureza, você toca os doentes e come com os párias da sociedade. Liberte-nos da conformidade e nos conceda a graça da divergência. Com a faixa verde do arco-íris, preencha nossos corações com indomada compaixão por todos os seres.

Russian: Зеленый цвет символизирует любовь, сердце духа. Преодолевший невозможные запреты Христос, Ты есть наше Сердце, нарушающее правила из любви. Преследуемый в мире в непорочности, Ты прикасаешься к больным и ешь вместе с отверженными. Освободи нас от подчинения и даруй нам благодать несоответствия нормам. Зеленой полоской радуги наполни наши сердца неукротимым состраданием ко всем живым существам.



Blue is for self-expression, the voice of spirit. Liberator Christ, you are our Voice, speaking out against all forms of oppression. Free us from apathy and grant us the grace of activism. With the blue stripe in the rainbow, motivate us to call for justice.

Spanish: El color celeste simboliza la auto-expresión, la voz del espíritu. Cristo Liberador, tú eres nuestra voz, denunciando toda forma de opresión. Líbranos de la apatía y concédenos la gracia del activismo. Con la franja azul del arco iris, motívanos a proclamar la justicia.

Chinese: 藍色代表自我表達,靈性之聲。解放者基督,你是我們的聲音,說出對一切壓迫形式的反對。將我們從冷漠中釋放,賜我們運動的恩典。藉彩虹旗藍色的條紋,上主激勵我們呼求正義。

French: Le bleu est pour l’expression de soi, la voix de l'esprit. Christ Libérateur, tu es notre voix, toi qui t’élèves contre toutes les formes d'oppression. Libère-nous de l'apathie et de accorde-nous la grâce de l'activisme. Avec la bande bleue dans l'arc en ciel, encourage-nous à nous battre pour la justice.

German: Blau steht für Selbst-darstellung, die Stimme des Geistes. Befreiender Christus, du bist unsere Stimme, die gegen alle Formen der Unterdrückung spricht. Befreie uns von Müdigkeit und schenke uns die Gnade des aktiv seins. Mit dem blauen Streifen des Regenbogens motiviere uns, nach Gerechtigkeit zu rufen.

Italian: Il blu è l’espressione di sé, la voce dello spirito. Cristo Liberatore, tu sei la nostra Voce, parla fortemente contro ogni forma di repressione. Liberaci dall’apatia e dacci la grazia dell’attivismo. Con la striscia blu dell’arcobaleno, motivaci a cercare la giustizia.

Japanese: 青は自己表現,精気の声.解放者である主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの声,あらゆる形の抑圧に対して抗議してくださいます.無力感からわたしたちを解放し,社会で行動できる恵みをお与えください.虹の青のもとに,正義を求めることができるよう,わたしたちを勇気づけてください.

Malay: Biru menggambarkan ekspresi diri, iaitu suara bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pembebas, engkaulah Suara kami dalam menentang segala bentuk penindasan. Bebaskanlah kami dari sikap acuh tak acuh dan berikanlah kami rahmat aktivisme. Demi jalur biru pada pelangi, berikanlah kami motivasi untuk menegakkan keadilan.

Polish: Zieleń to miłość, serce ducha. Niepokorny, wyjęty spod prawa Chryste, jesteś naszym Sercem, łamiącym zasady z miłości. W świecie poddanym obsesji czystości, dotykasz chorych i jesz z wyrzutkami. Uwolnij nas od konformizmu i obdarz łaską zbaczania. Przez zielony kolor tęczy napełnij nasze serca nieposkromionym współczuciem dla wszystkich istot.

Portuguese: Azul é a auto-expressão, a voz do espírito. Cristo Liberador, tu és nossa Voz, manifestando-se contra todas as formas de opressão. Liberte-nos da apatia e nos conceda a graça do ativismo. Com a faixa azul do arco-íris, motive-nos a clamar por Justiça.

Russian: Синий цвет символизирует самовыражение, голос духа. Освободитель Христос, Ты есть наш Голос, выступающий против всех форм угнетения. Освободи нас от апатии и даруй благодать активизма. Синий полоской радуги побуждай нас призывать к справедливости.



Violet is for vision, the wisdom of spirit. Interconnected Christ, you are our Wisdom, creating and sustaining the universe. Free us from isolation and grant us the grace of interdependence. With the violet stripe in the rainbow, connect us with others and with the whole creation.

Spanish: El color lila simboliza la visión, la sabiduría del espíritu. Cristo Rizomático, tú eres nuestra sabiduría, creando y sosteniendo el universo. Líbranos del aislamiento y concédenos la gracia de la interdependencia. Con la franja lila en el arco iris, conéctanos con los demás seres vivos y con la creación entera.

Chinese: 紫色代表異象,靈性之智。相互關聯的基督,你是我們的智慧,創造、供養整個宇宙。將我們從隔絕中釋放,賜我們彼此依賴的恩典。藉彩虹旗紫色的條紋,上主將我們與他者與全部受造連接。

French: Le violet est pour la vision, la sagesse de l'esprit. Christ interconnecté, tu es notre sagesse, tu crées et maintiens l'univers. Libère-nous de l'isolement et accorde-nous la grâce de l'interdépendance. Avec la bande violette dans l'arc en ciel, relie-nous aux autres et à la création tout entière.

German: Violett steht für die Vision, die Weisheit des Geistes. Christus, der du mit allem verbunden bist, du bist unsere Weisheit, du schaffst und erhältst das Universum. Befreie uns von Isolation und schenke uns die Gnade der Abhängigkeit von einander. Mit dem violetten Streifen des Regenbogens verbinde uns mit anderen und mit der der ganzen Schöpfung.

Italian: Il viola è per la visione. Cristo, profondamente connesso con tutte le cose, tu sei la nostra Sapienza e crei e mantieni l’universo. Liberaci dall’isolamento e dacci la grazia dell’interdipendenza. Con la striscia viola dell’arcobaleno, uniscici agli altri e all’intera creazione.

Japanese: 紫は真理を見る力,精気の知恵.つながり合ってくださる主キリストよ,万物を創造し,維持するあなたは,わたしたちの知恵です.わたしたちを孤立から解放してください.互いに支え合う恵みをお与えください.虹の紫のもとに,わたしたちと他の人々とをつなげてください.わたしたちを全被造界とつなげてください.

Malay: Ungu menggambarkan visi, iaitu hikmah bagi roh. Kristus Sang Penyatu, engkaulah Hikmah kami di dalam membina dan memulihara alam semesta. Bebaskanlah kami dari pengasingan dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk saling memelihara antara satu dengan yang lain. Demi jalur ungu pada pelangi, satukanlah hati kami dengan yang lain dan segenap ciptaan Yang Maha Esa.

Polish: Fiolet to wizja, mądrość ducha. Chryste wzajemnych powiązań, jesteś naszą Mądrością, tworząca i podtrzymującą wszechświat. Uwolnij nas od izolacji i obdarz łaską współzależności. Przez fioletowy kolor tęczy połącz nas z innymi i z całym stworzeniem.

Portuguese: Violeta é a visão, a sabedoria do espírito. Cristo Interconectado, você é nossa Sabedoria, criando e sustentando o universo. Liberte-nos do isolamento e nos conceda a graça da interdependência. Com a faixa violeta do arco-íris, conecte-nos uns com os outros e com toda a criação.

Russian: Фиолетовый цвет символизирует проницательность, мудрость духа. Объединяющий Христос, Ты есть наша Мудрость, создавшая и поддерживающая вселенную. Освободи нас от изоляции и даруй нам благодать взаимозависимости. Фиолетовой полоской радуги объедини нас с другими и всем творением.



Rainbow colors come together to make one light, the crown of universal consciousness. Hybrid and All-Encompassing Christ, you are our Crown, both human and divine. Free us from rigid categories and grant us the grace of interwoven identities. With the rainbow, lead us beyond black-and-white thinking to experience the whole spectrum of life.

Spanish: Los colores del arco iris de unen para crear una sola luz, la corona de la conciencia universal. Cristo Híbrido y Omnipresente, tú eres nuestra corona, tanto humana como divina. Líbranos de las categorías rígidas y concédenos la gracia de vivir identidades entrelazadas. Con el arco iris, llévanos más allá del pensamiento binario en blanco y negro a fin de experimentar el espectro completo de la vida.

Chinese: 彩虹各色匯聚一束光,冠于宇宙意識之巔。混雜和包羅萬象的基督,你是人性和神聖的冠冕。將我們從僵死的分類中釋放,賜我們身份交織的恩典。藉著彩虹,上主帶領我們超越非黑即白的思維模式,體驗生命璀璨的光譜。

French: Les couleurs de l'arc-en-ciel composent ensemble la lumière, telle le chakra couronne de la conscience universelle. Christ métissé qui englobe tout, tu es notre Couronne, à la fois humaine et divine. Libère-nous des catégories rigides et accorde-nous la grâce des identités entrelacées. Avec l'arc en ciel, conduis-nous au-delà de la pensée en noir et blanc pour découvrir l'ensemble du spectre de la vie.

German: Regenbogenfarben kommen zusammen und ergeben ein Licht, die Krone des universellen Bewusstseins. Vermischter und alles umfassender Christus, du bist unsere Krone, menschlich und göttlich. Befreie uns von starren Kategorien und schenke und die Gnade von Identitäten, die miteinander verwoben sind. Mit dem Regenbogen führe uns über das Schwarz-weiß Denken hinaus und lass uns das ganze Spektrum des Lebens erfahren.

Italian: I colori dell’arcobaleno si uniscono per formare una sola luce, la corona della coscienza universale. Cristo ibrido e compassionevole, tu sei la nostra Corona, al tempo stesso umana e divina. Liberaci dalle categorie rigide e dacci la grazia di intrecciare insieme le nostre diverse identità. Con l’arcobaleno, portaci dal pensiero in bianco e nero all’esperienza dell’intero spettro della vita.

Japanese: 虹の六色は合わさり,ひとつの光を成し,万物の創造主の王冠となります.すべてを混ぜ合わせ,すべてを包み込む主キリストよ,人間にして神であるあなたは,わたしたちの王冠です.凝り固まったカテゴリーからわたしたちを解放し,ひとりひとりが多様である恵みをお与えください.虹のもとに,黒か白かを決めつける思考を超えて,多彩な命のすべての色を経験できるよう,導いてください.

Malay: Warna-warni pelangi berarak bersama membentuk satu cahaya, dan menjadi mahkota kesedaran sejagat. Kristus Sang Hibrid dan Hadirat Hakiki, engkaulah Mahkota kami, penuh keilahian dan kemanusiaan. Bebaskanlah kami dari pengkategorian yang tegar dan berikanlah kami rahmat identiti-identiti yang terjalin. Demi pelangi, pimpinlah kami keluar dari pemikiran hitam-putih dan menuju kepada pengalaman spektrum kehidupan yang menyeluruh.

Polish: Barwy tęczy jednoczą się, by stworzyć jedno światło, koronę uniwersalnej świadomości. Hybrydowy i Wszechogarniający Chryste, jesteś naszą Koroną, ludzką i boską. Uwolnij nas od ścisłych kategorii i obdarz łaską przeplatających się tożsamości. Prowadź nas przez tęczę poza myślenie czarno-białe ku pełnemu spektrum życia.

Portuguese: As cores do arco-íris se unem para formar uma só luz, a coroa da consciência universal. Cristo Híbrido e Abrangente, tu és nossa Coroa, ao mesmo tempo humano e divino. Liberte-nos de categorias rígidas e nos conceda a graça das identidades fluidas. Com o arco-íris, guie-nos para além do pensamento em preto e branco a fim de que experimentemos todo o espectro da vida.

Russian: Радуга объединяет спектр цветов творить свет, венец универсального сознания. Разнородный и всеохватывающий Христос, Ты есть наш Венец, человеческий и божественный. Освободи нас от жестких категорий и даруй благодать переплетающихся идентичностей. Радугой веди нас за пределы черно-белого мышления к опыту всего спектра жизни.









Rainbow Christ, you light up the world. You make rainbows as a promise to support all life on earth. In the rainbow space, we can see all the hidden connections between sexualities, genders and races. Like the rainbow, may we embody all the colors of the world! Amen.

Spanish: Cristo del Arco Iris, tú iluminas al mundo. Tú creas los arco iris como una promesa de sustentar toda la vida sobre la tierra. En el espacio del arco iris, podemos ver todas las conexiones ocultas entre sexualidades, géneros y razas. Como en el arco iris, concédenos que podamos encarnar todos los colores del mundo. Amen.

Chinese: 彩虹基督,你點亮世界。你讓彩虹成為支援地上所有生命的應許。在彩虹空間中,我們看到性/別、種族間隱蔽的關聯。願我們像彩虹一樣,擁抱世上所有的色彩!阿門。

French: Christ Arc-en-Ciel, tu illumines le monde. Des arcs-en-ciel, tu fais comme une promesse de soutenir toute vie sur terre. Dans l'espace arc-en-ciel, nous pouvons voir tous les liens cachés entre les sexualités, les genres et les races. Comme l'arc-en-ciel, donne-nous d’incarner toutes les couleurs du monde! Amen.

German: Regenbogen-Christus, du erhellst die Welt. Du machst Regenbögen als Versprechen, alles Leben auf Erden zu unterstützen. Im Regenbogen-Raum können wir all die verborgenen Beziehungen von Sexualitäten, Geschlechter und Rassen sehen. Wie der Regenbogen mögen auch wir alle Farben in der der Welt verkörpern. Amen.

Italian: Cristo arcobaleno, tu illumini il mondo. Tu crei gli arcobaleni come promessa di aiutare la vita sulla terra. Nello spazio dell’arcobaleno possiamo vedere tutte le connessioni nascoste tra sessualità, generi e razze. Come l’arcobaleno, fa’ che possiamo incarnare tutti i colori del mondo! Amen.

Japanese: 虹色の主キリストよ,あなたは,万物を照らし,虹を,地球の全生命を支える約束の徴になさいます.虹色の空間のなかで,さまざまなセクシュアリティ,ジェンダー,人種の間の隠されたつながりが見えてきます.虹のように,わたしたちが世のすべての色を表すことができますように! アーメン.

Malay: Kristus Sang Pelangi, engkau menerangi dunia. Engkau menjadikan pelangi sebagai janji untuk memelihara seluruh kehidupan di atas bumi. Di balik warna-warni pelangi, kami dapat melihat segala jalinan misteri di antara seksualiti, jantina, dan bangsa. Seperti pelangi, biarlah kami menghidupi seluruh warna-warni dunia, iaitu anugerah dari Yang Maha Esa! Amin.

Polish: Tęczowy Chryste, Ty oświecasz świat i tworzysz tęcze jako obietnice wsparcia wszelkiego życia na ziemi. W tęczowej przestrzeni możemy dojrzeć wszystkie te ukryte połączenia między seksualnościami, płciami i rasami. Obyśmy, niczym tęcza, ucieleśniali wszystkie barwy świata! Amen.

Portuguese: Cristo Arco-íris, você ilumina todo o mundo. Você faz arco-íris como uma promessa de apoiar toda a vida na Terra. Nele, podemos enxergar todas as conexões ocultas entre sexualidades, gêneros e raças. Como o arco-íris, que encarnemos todas as cores do mundo! Amém.

Russian: Радужный Христос, Ты освещаешь мир. Ты создаешь радугу как обещание поддержки всей жизни на земле. В радужном пространстве мы можем видеть все скрытые связи между сексуальностями, гендерами и расами. Подобно радуге, сделай возможным, чтоб мы объединили все цвета мира. Аминь.


Detail from “Christ and the Two Marys” by William Holman Hunt (Wikimedia Commons)

Many thanks to all the volunteer translators!

Spanish: Translated by Hugo Córdova Quero. Traducido por Hugo Córdova Quero.

Chinese: Translated by Iris Xie, Queer Theology Academy. 此文由性神學社成員,謝彩虹翻譯.
(The Chinese prayer was used at the opening worship of Queer Theology Academy Summer Workshop in Hong Kong in 2014.)

French: Translated by Zabulon in collaboration with Meneldid Palantir Talmayar. Traduit par Zabulon Zabulon avec la collaboration de Meneldid Palantir Talmayar.

German: Translated by Axel Schwaigert, Metropolitan Community Church of Stuttgart. Übersetzt von Axel Schwaigert, MCC Gemeinde Stuttgart.

Italian: Freely translated by Silvia Lanzi, Progetto Gionata. Liberamente tradotto da Silvia Lanzi, Progetto Gionata.

Japanese: Translated by LGBT Catholic Japan. LGBT カトリック・ジャパンが翻訳しました。

Malay: Translated by Anak Borneo. Diterjemahkan oleh Anak Borneo.

Polish: Translated by Łukasz Liniewicz and Jarek Kubacki. Przetłumaczone przez Łukasz Liniewicz i Jarek Kubacki.

Portuguese: Translated by Deco Ribeiro. Traduzido por Deco Ribeiro.

Russian: Translated by Elena Preobrazhenskaya (Moscow, Russia) and the brotherhood of Orthodox Catholic Monastery of Our Lady Joy of All Who Sorrow (Oxford, Michigan). Перевод Елены Преображенской (Москва, Россия) и братства Cкорбященской Пустыни (Оксфорд, Мичиган).

Image credit: “Stained-glass Rainbow Flag with Cross (Baner enfys gwydr lliw gyda Chroes)” by Andrew Craig Williams


 Patrick Cheng and Kittredge Cherry
wrote the Rainbow Christ Prayer


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Related links:

Rainbow Christ Prayer: LGBT flag reveals the queer Christ (original prayer in English)

Rainbow Christ Prayer goes nationwide at churches, schools and events

Rainbow Christ Prayer at Huffington Post

Rainbow Christ Prayer short version

Rethinking Sin and Grace for LGBT People by Patrick Cheng

Welcome the New Year with Bridge of Light by Kittredge Cherry

Rainbow flag (Wikipedia)

Patrick Cheng's website and Twitter feed

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Bible and homosexuality:

The Bible and Gays: Is it a sin to be gay? Did Jesus condemn homosexuality? by Rev. Durrrell Watkins

Metropolitan Community Churches theological resources

The Gay Debate: The Bible and Homosexuality by Matthew Vines (with translations in 10 langauges)

Homosexuality and the Bible at GayChurch.org

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This post is part of the LGBTQ Calendar series by Kittredge Cherry. The series celebrates religious and spiritual holidays, events in LGBTQ history, holy days, feast days, festivals, anniversaries, liturgical seasons and other occasions of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people of faith and our allies.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
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