It represents a step forward for homosexuals in reclaiming their spiritual lives and healing wounds. This is the first time a well known Christian hymn has been used in a music video to express the "rightness and godliness" of same gender love -- portraying a male interracial couple exchanging marriage vows and living in a loving committed relationship. Filmed in the historic St. Mark's Church, one of the oldest churches in New York City.
"It's the story of two people finding each other and recognizing the love their hearts share," Nhojj says. "I truly believe God is love and so wherever love is God is."
Homosexuals who seek church families are now being openly welcomed by a new breed of progressive ministers. There are thousands of LGBT affirming congregations throughout America and the world, and many are part of large denominations like Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Unity, United Church of Christ, Methodist, Metropolitan Community, Episcopal, Dignity (a group within the Catholic Church), and Brethren/Mennonite. With gay marriage legal in 6 states including New York and our nation's capital, the number of gay affirming congregations is bound to grow.
Son of a fundamentalist minister, Nhojj grew up in Guyana. He held onto feelings of shame and internalized homophobia until he became an adult and attended therapy group sessions while at NYU. The conversations lead him to rethink his childhood experiences and learn new ways of living life - honestly and openly. In 2005, Nhojj toured churches throughout London, Toronto, the Caribbean, and the USA. The recipient of 2 OUTMusic Awards, Nhojj is the first black male to receive an OMA and the first Out artist to reach #1 on the MTV Music chart with a gay music video - "Love."
"Love is the most fundamental of all human conditions and the most important." Nhojj concludes, "We all deserve to love and be loved."
Recently the United Church of Christ Cathedral of Hope added Nhojj's "Amazing Grace" music video to the homepage of their website.
Pastor John Shuck at First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton, TN blogs "Here is a beautiful video.... Nhojj affirms life with welcoming, hopeful and transforming words."
Pastor Martha Spong at UCC North Yarmouth Congregational Church, ME writes "Amazing Grace: a beautiful video... I'm bowled over by the beauty of the images and his music."
Controversial "MadPriest" Reverend Jonathan Hagger at the Church of England writes in his blog, "Amazing Video" and recommends Nhojj's affirming article as "a superb testament to God's rainbow creation."
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