Avalon’s “Testify to Love” Reinterpreted as a LGBTQ Anthem

Allie Beth Stuckey, host on BlazeTV, reminisces about growing up listening to the Christian music group Avalon. One of their notable songs, “Testify to Love,” was embraced as a true anthem by many Christians across America.

However, Stuckey expresses concern that even religious music might not be safe for the LGBTQ community. She brings attention to the idea that Avalon’s “Testify to Love” is now being retroactively branded as a queer love anthem.

“I’m serious when I say this is considered an LGBTQ-affirming anthem now,” Stuckey notes.

Melissa Green, a former member of Avalon, has shared her thoughts on Substack, stating, “Today marks the release of ‘Testify to Love.’ It was first recorded by Avalon and later re-recorded by Michael Passons, Ty Herndon, and myself. When we concluded shooting the music video, we exchanged proud glances and agreed that love belongs to everyone.”

Green also reflects on Passons, another ex-member of Avalon who faced expulsion from the group after coming out as gay many years ago. Stuckey recounts that Passons revealed on a podcast in 2020 that his bandmates visited him to inform him he could no longer be part of the group due to his sexuality.

While Green admits her past belief that “some love is acceptable and other love is unacceptable,” Stuckey argues that such distinctions may not hold water. She emphasizes that some expressions of love are indeed unacceptable. “For example, when an adult has inappropriate feelings towards a child, that should never be acceptable. I want to clarify, I’m not equating that with LGBTQ issues; that’s beside the point. But the idea that some love can, in principle, be deemed unacceptable has merit,” she explains.

Green has further asserted that there was “no need to redeem” Passons.

“Absolutely,” Stuckey responds.

She critiques the current trend of believing we are somehow more compassionate and kinder than God, implying that scripture such as Romans 1 and Genesis 1:27 has become unfairly harsh. “This notion is indeed troubling,” she adds.

Ultimately, Stuckey asserts, “The reality is we’re not more compassionate than God, nor do we possess superior wisdom. The misunderstanding doesn’t lie with God; it stems from us.” She concludes that any confusion or perceived cruelty is a problem of human interpretation, not divine intent.