A controversial novel about a bisexual Jesus is being published now by AndroGyne Press. "Christ's story is for everyone," said Kittredge Cherry, author of JESUS IN LOVE, the first novel ever published about a queer Christ. "It's okay to imagine yourself in the story of Jesus. He is ALL of us."

Cherry is not trying to prove that the historical Jesus had a homosexual relationship, although some Bible scholars do say so. JESUS IN LOVE is a work of fiction that aims to inspire as it addresses Christ's sexuality. Jesus, the narrator, speaks in an up-to-date tone as he reveals his relationships with John the beloved disciple, Mary Magdalene and the multi-gendered Holy Spirit.

Cherry is a lesbian Christian author whose ministry put her at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches. She wrote JESUS IN LOVE after disability forced her into a more contemplative life.

Her previous books include HIDE AND SPEAK and EQUAL RITES. The New York Times Book Review praised her "very graceful, erudite" writing style.

Controversy began with the launch of Cherry's website, JesusInLove.org, which features the growing number of books and art based on the queer Christ. Bloggers battled over whether it was "sick and disgusting" or "a rather heavenly idea."

Rev. Mel White, founder of the LGBT Christian activist group Soulforce, endorses JESUS IN LOVE. "Kitt Cherry has broken through the stained-glass barrier," he said. "This is not a prurient look at the sex life of Jesus, but a classic re-telling of the greatest story ever told."

Theology professor Carter Heyward praises it "a lovely, gentle, playful book." Toby Johnson, author of Gay Spirituality, calls it "a wonderful, gay- sensitive, and delightfully 'shocking' reassessment of the stories of the old- time religion."

Writing JESUS IN LOVE helped Cherry face her health challenges. "In my prayers, I met a Jesus who is both divine and human, including the full range of sexual orientations and gender identities," she said.

JESUS IN LOVE (ISBN 1-933993-18-9) is published by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press in Berkeley, CA. Ingram Book Group distributes it.