FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Internationally recognized by The Christlit Book Awards, Sacred Sexuality offers a compassionate, biblically grounded voice in one of today’s most challenging conversations.

Gilbert, AZ – May 26, 2026 – As cultural conversations surrounding sexuality, gender, identity, and truth continue to intensify, author Mark Richard is bringing a deeply personal and biblically grounded perspective to the forefront with his award-winning new release, “Sacred Sexuality: Grace and Truth Revealed in a Culture of Confusion.” The book has now received international recognition through the 2026 Christlit Book Award, an accredited honor celebrating Christian literature that reflects faith, redemption, and moral clarity.

Written from the perspective of a former gay-identified man who encountered the transforming grace of Christ, “Sacred Sexuality” speaks directly into one of the most emotionally charged and divisive issues facing families, churches, and communities today. Rather than approaching the subject with condemnation or political rhetoric, Richard offers readers a compassionate roadmap rooted in biblical truth, personal testimony, spiritual healing, and the redemptive power of God.

Designed for individuals, pastors, parents, ministry leaders, counselors, and small groups, the book addresses questions many believers quietly wrestle with but often feel unequipped to discuss. Through scriptural insight, practical reflection prompts, spiritual application, and honest vulnerability, Richard helps readers navigate difficult conversations while maintaining both conviction and compassion.

The book has already earned exceptional praise from faith leaders and literary reviewers, including Louise Jane, CEO of The Christlit Book Awards, who described “Sacred Sexuality” as “one of my favorite books of all time” and “a guiding light” for believers seeking to communicate biblical truth with wisdom and love. Jane especially highlighted the book’s distinction between Holy Spirit conviction and destructive shame, as well as its emphasis on spiritual authority, healing, and heart transformation.

Richard underscores that temptation does not define a person’s identity, and that freedom, healing, and surrender are possible through Christ. Drawing from his own journey out of homosexuality and into obedience to God, he offers hope to readers who may feel trapped, confused, ashamed, or afraid to seek help within the church.

At a time when many churches and families feel uncertain about how to respond to rapidly shifting cultural narratives, “Sacred Sexuality” arrives as a timely and courageous resource that calls believers back to both truth and grace without compromising either.

“Sacred Sexuality: Grace and Truth Revealed in a Culture of Confusion” by Mark Richard (Redemption Press, 2026) is available through major retailers including Amazon, ThriftBooks, and Walmart and directly through Redemption Press.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Richard is a passionate messenger of God’s truth and grace. Once trapped in sexual sin and identity confusion, he encountered the transforming power of Jesus Christ and now ministers to individuals, families, and churches across the U.S. His ministry resources have reached readers in more than 20 countries. He makes his home in Toledo, Ohio, near his daughter and granddaughter.

Email: MarkRichardMinistry@gmail.com
Website: www.MarkRichardMinistry.com

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – A former same-sex partner shares biblical truth and personal redemption in a culture of confusion.

Gilbert, AZ— As cultural definitions of love, gender, and identity continue to shift, Mark Richard is urging believers to return to what he describes as God’s clear and unchanging Word. His new book, “Sacred Sexuality: Grace and Truth Revealed in a Culture of Confusion” (Redemption Press), recently received the Literary Titan Book Award. In the book, Mark addresses what Scripture actually teaches about sexuality—while sharing his own journey from decades of sexual brokenness into freedom in Christ.

At the heart of “Sacred Sexuality” is a straightforward conviction: God created sexuality with purpose and boundaries. Drawing from Genesis through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Mark affirms that sexual intimacy is designed by God for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman, and that identity is rooted not in desire, culture, or personal experience—but in Christ. In a time when even many churches hesitate to speak clearly, Mark offers biblical clarity without abandoning compassion, reminding readers that obedience to God is not repression, but the pathway to wholeness.

For years, Mark believed his desires defined him. Scripture ultimately revealed a different foundation—identity rooted not in attraction, experience, or past choices, but in Christ alone. He wrote “Sacred Sexuality” out of a deep conviction that truth and grace are not opposing forces but partners in redemption—because no one is too far gone for redemption, and the Church must respond with both truth and compassion.

Mark Richard’s e-book will be free to download on Amazon on February 24, 2026. Early readers are already sharing how much the story has touched them—here’s what a couple of reviewers have said:

Matt
5 Stars If you come across this book… it is not by accident

Wow! The author does a wonderful job of debunking the sexual misconceptions that the world would want you to believe as normal and healthy. He speaks from past experiences and backs his words with scripture. There is a great chapter on how to love our loved ones who are lost in sexual vices and what you should and should not do to help them. “I once was lost, but know am found, was blind, but know I see” is the heart posture of the author who put this book together.

T. Strayer
5 Stars Crafted with excellence, and love

Clear. Concise. And written with Care. I am amazed by the authors ability to so tactfully weave God’s truth with God’s grace. He illustrates the tapestry of God’s love and plan for us which was placed in the beginning. Mark’s heart echoes God’s heart in the desire that none shall perish… you will be blessed by reading this.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Richard is a passionate messenger of God’s truth and grace. Once trapped in sexual sin and identity confusion, he encountered the transforming power of Jesus Christ and now ministers to individuals, families, and churches across the U.S. His ministry resources have reached readers in more than 20 countries. He makes his home in Toledo, Ohio, near his daughter and granddaughter.

Email: MarkRichardMinistry@gmail.com
Website: www.MarkRichardMinistry.com