A Gay Man, a Lesbian and a Transgender Are Part of 'Micah's Rule' -- a Christian Band That Sings Gospel and Country Music

At first glance, Micah's Rule looks like your traditional Christian band: A collective of three members whose main purpose is spreading the gospel through music. But when one looks beneath the surface, there's nothing classical -- at least when it comes to members' bios -- about the performers who have captured the attention of a plethora of media outlets of late.

If you thought Christian singer Jennifer Knapp's story was a fascinating one, prepare yourself for this tale. See, Micah's Rule, based in Wilmington, N.C., is made up of members who have some uncommon backgrounds, especially when compared to others in the Christian entertainment industry. According to a report in Salon earlier this month, Mary Anne Hewitt and Greg McCaw are both gay. Chasity Scott, on the other hand, is transgender.

But these attributes aren't touted in the group's official bio. Rather than using their sexuality as a tool to sell faith-based music, the group is intent on relegating it to the confines of their very personal stories. During a recent interview with Religion News Service (RNS), the members said that they don't want these attributes defining them; instead, it is their music that they hope fans notice.

Micah's Rule, from left to right:  (Photo Credit: Micah's Rule)

"It’s just our back story, plain and simple, but we’re not using that as a marketing tool for our music, positively or negatively," McCaw told RNS. "We want to be a musical group like any other, but we realize our back story will get out."

The band recently completed its first album, working with famed producer Mark Moseley in Nashville, Tenn., to see it come to fruition.

See a video montage of their Nashville experience, below:

While some would dismiss the group as un-Christian based on the aforementioned information, the three speak as though they are intensely religious. In their interview, they explained the roots and connections they have to and within their church. Still, their lifestyles are certainly not embraced by the majority of the Christian faith and will likely be seen as controversial.

Plus, breaking into faith-based music is difficult enough in its own regard. With these added elements, it will be interesting to see how they fare.

Hewitt, McCaw and Scott all attend St. Jude Metropolitan Community Church, a house of worship that reaches out to members of the gay community and their associated family members. The band's name -- Micah 6:8 -- comes from a Bible verse that the church adopted, RNS reports. It reads, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Each of the band's songs also takes on Christian themes -- something that may also come as a surprise to those who take issue with members' personal histories. RNS recaps some of the lyrics:

In “Walk the Road,” they sing: “Sometimes you just have to be the one to set your own self free … what matters isn’t what you’re told. But how you walk the road.”

Scott wrote the slide guitar ballad “Can You Hear Me?” as a prayer for her father: “I want him to see, Jesus in me, like I see Jesus in him. Can you hear me? Father, can you hear me?”

What do you think about the band? You can read more about Micah's Rule here.