Jesus in Love serves gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who have spiritual interests, and our allies. We promote queer spirituality, books and arts.

About Kittredge Cherry

Portrait by Kate Burroughs.

Kittredge Cherry is an author, spiritual director and art historian whose ministry put her on the cutting edge of the homosexuality debates at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches. She is the motivational force behind JesusInLove.org. Kittredge Cherry was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches and served as clergy in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for seven years until health issues forced her into a more contemplative life. She worked extensively with people from every branch of Christianity, including the Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical traditions. She now considers herself a free agent for Christ in the world.

One of Kitt’s biological and spiritual ancestors is John Donne, the 17th century English poet and clergyman who wrote, “No man is an island.” Kitt was born and raised in Iowa. She met her life partner, Audrey, when they were both students at the University of Iowa. After earning degrees in journalism and art history, Kitt worked as a newspaper reporter and studied in Japan on a Rotary International Journalism Scholarship. She was baptized at age 25 at an interdenominational church in Japan. She went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.

Kittredge Cherry, left, and her partner Audrey on Kitt’s ordination day.

Kitt’s books include Jesus in Love: At the Cross (AndroGyne Press, 2008), Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More (AndroGyne Press, 2007), Jesus in Love: A Novel (AndroGyne Press, 2006), Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies and Celebrations (co-edited with Zalmon Sherwood; Westminster/John Knox Press, 1995), Hide and Speak: A Coming Out Guide (HarperSanFrancisco, 1991; AndroGyne Press, 2006) and Womansword: What Japanese Words Say About Women (Kodansha International, revised edition 2002). The New York Times Book Review praised her “very graceful, erudite” writing style and her poetry has won several awards. Art That Dares was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award.  She has also written for Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal. Kitt and Audrey live in Los Angeles.

Kitt’s new book about Jesus retells the gospel story from the viewpoint of a queer Christ. She conceived the novel while contemplating and communing with Christ during years of rest forced upon her by Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. Jesus’ story gives her the strength to face her health challenges. Kitt and Audrey live in Los Angeles.

 

Read Kitt’s AIDS ministry article
http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=926

Hear Kitt on Voice of America radio
http://www1.voanews.com/

Enjoy Kitt’s award-winning poem
http://www.arroyoartscollective.org/archive/poetry/
(Go to Poetry In The Windows III - Poets (1999))