“Testify to Love” has returned with a renewed message of inclusivity. The Testify to Love rerelease features Michael Passons, Melissa Greene, and Ty Herndon, and it has quickly resonated with LGBTQ+ Christians. Passons once sang the Avalon hit while hiding his sexuality, but he now calls the new recording a full-circle moment. The May 15 release also arrived before Pride month, so many listeners have embraced it as a healing anthem.

The song began with Henk Pool Jr., Robert T. Riekerk, Ralph Van Manen, and Paul Field. Van Manen released it in 1996, and Avalon followed in 1997. Avalon’s version became the longest-running Christian single of the 1990s. Wynonna Judd later recorded it for the “Touched by an Angel” soundtrack.

Former Avalon members reclaim a CCM classic

Passons left Avalon in 2003 after years with the group. In 2020, he said he had been pushed out because he was gay. Greene, who joined Avalon shortly before his exit, once supported that decision. She now says she stood on the wrong side.

Greene wrote that the song finally gets to mean what it always said. She described love without exception, reaching every corner of creation. The new music video ends with the message, “God’s love is for everyone. No exceptions.”

The rerelease gained strong chart momentum. Herndon celebrated its No. 1 spot on the iTunes Christian chart on May 23. He later shared its No. 3 placement on Billboard’s Christian Digital Song Sales chart. The Testify to Love rerelease also drew praise from CCM artists, including Amy Grant, Point of Grace, Nichole Nordeman, and Rachel Lampa.

Supporters and critics clash over intent

Supporters see the rerelease as a faithful expression of the song’s original heart. Pool said the cowriters hope the song reaches people who need to hear that God’s love is for everyone. Field said it was always meant to be about inclusivity, and he told Greene she had the real meaning.

Critics voiced concern because they reject the song’s new gay-affirming framing. Allie Beth Stuckey called the shift “woke.” Alisa Childers called the moment sad, and Denny Burk argued the inclusive claim spread misinformation.

‘You’ve Got the Real Meaning’—Cowriters of ‘Testify to Love’ Say It Was Always Intended To Be About Inclusivity

Hashtags: #TestifyToLove #LGBTQChristians #CCMMusic

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