Misplaced Pages

Vicky Beeching: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from[REDACTED] with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 04:55, 22 September 2020 editRab V (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users20,660 edits added Category:LGBT singers from the United Kingdom using HotCat← Previous edit Latest revision as of 09:53, 31 December 2024 edit undoTimrollpickering (talk | contribs)Administrators354,913 editsm →Personal life and education: clarify degrees, Oxford MA is not studied for 
(28 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 16: Line 16:
}} }}


'''Victoria Louise''' "'''Vicky'''" '''Beeching''' (born 17 July 1979) is an English musician and religious commentator. She is best known for her work in the American ] genre, and has been described by '']'' as "arguably the most influential Christian of her generation" due to her Twitter following and appearances on BBC's '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/18/vicky-beeching-coming-out-matters-christians|title=Why Vicky Beeching coming out matters|last=Ormerod|first=Peter|date=18 August 2014|accessdate=21 April 2015|newspaper=]}}</ref> '''Victoria Louise''' "'''Vicky'''" '''Beeching''' (born 17 July 1979) is a British musician and religious commentator. She is best known for her work in the American ] genre, and has been described by '']'' as "arguably the most influential Christian of her generation" due to her Twitter following and appearances on BBC's '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/18/vicky-beeching-coming-out-matters-christians|title=Why Vicky Beeching coming out matters|last=Ormerod|first=Peter|date=18 August 2014|access-date=21 April 2015|newspaper=]}}</ref>


==Musical career== ==Musical career==
] ]


Beeching's mother, who leads musical worship at her church, taught Beeching to play the piano and guitar when she was young.<ref name="Premier" /> Beeching began writing songs at the age of 10,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christiantoday.com/article/vicky.beeching/5314.htm |title=Interview with Vicky Beeching|work=christiantoday.com |date= 13 February 2006|accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="CrossRhythms" /> and leading worship music in church youth services in her early teens.<ref name="Premier" /> Beeching's mother, who leads musical worship at her church, taught Beeching to play the piano and guitar when she was young.<ref name="Premier" /> Beeching began writing songs at the age of 10,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christiantoday.com/article/vicky.beeching/5314.htm |title=Interview with Vicky Beeching|work=christiantoday.com |date= 13 February 2006|access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="CrossRhythms" /> and leading worship music in church youth services in her early teens.<ref name="Premier" />


From 1997<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> to 2001,<ref name="LinkedIn" /> she attended Oxford ] Church, where she also led worship music during services.<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> At Vineyard, she learned more about music writing from ] and ]. From 1997<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> to 2001,<ref name="LinkedIn" /> she attended Oxford ] Church, where she also led worship music during services.<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> At Vineyard, she learned more about music writing from ] and ].


Beeching moved to ] around 2002 for her music career. In December 2002, she released the ''Shelter EP'' through ] UK<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/ShelterEP.asp |title=Vicky Beeching, "Shelter EP" Review |accessdate=18 August 2009|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout}}</ref> and was featured on various compilation albums. She disclosed in a 2003 interview that she had recently quit her job as a Management Consultant so that she could focus on worship music full-time.<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> Beeching moved to ] around 2002 for her music career. In December 2002, she released the ''Shelter EP'' through ] UK<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/ShelterEP.asp |title=Vicky Beeching, "Shelter EP" Review |access-date=18 August 2009|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout}}</ref> and was featured on various compilation albums. She disclosed in a 2003 interview that she had recently quit her job as a Management Consultant so that she could focus on worship music full-time.<ref name="CrossRhythms" />


Beeching signed with ] and released a 2005 EP, titled ''The Journey''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/TheJourneyEP.asp|title=Vicky Beeching, "The Journey EP" Review|accessdate=18 June 2017|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout}}</ref> Her first full-length Sparrow album, ''Yesterday, Today & Forever'', was released on 27 December 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/YesterdayTodayandForever.asp |title=Vicky Beeching, "Yesterday, Today & Forever" CD Review |accessdate=18 August 2009|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|first=Justin|last=Mabee|date=29 December 2005}}</ref> Her second full-length studio album, ''Painting the Invisible'', was produced by ] and Nathan Nockels and released on 3 April 2007.<ref name="allmusic paint">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r1027963|pure_url=yes}} |title=Painting the Invisible > Overview|publisher=]|accessdate=18 August 2009}}</ref> Beeching wrote most of the album's material, although a few tracks include songwriting from ], ] and ].<ref name="Painting the Invisible Review">{{cite web|author=(May 2014) |url=http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/music/artist/joy_williams/news/11540084/ |title=Painting the Invisible Review |publisher=Christianmusicplanet.com |date= |accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref> Several of the songs for the album were written on ]'s old piano, at the invitation of her mentor and friend, Melody Green.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=166|title=Great Is Your Glory by Vicky Beeching|accessdate=25 July 2013|publisher=]|first=Kevin|last=Davis|date=7 October 2008}}</ref> Beeching signed with ] and released a 2005 EP, titled ''The Journey''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/TheJourneyEP.asp|title=Vicky Beeching, "The Journey EP" Review|access-date=18 June 2017|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout}}</ref> Her first full-length Sparrow album, ''Yesterday, Today & Forever'', was released on 27 December 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/YesterdayTodayandForever.asp |title=Vicky Beeching, "Yesterday, Today & Forever" CD Review |access-date=18 August 2009|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|first=Justin|last=Mabee|date=29 December 2005}}</ref> Her second full-length studio album, ''Painting the Invisible'', was produced by ] and Nathan Nockels and released on 3 April 2007.<ref name="allmusic paint">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r1027963|pure_url=yes}} |title=Painting the Invisible > Overview|publisher=]|access-date=18 August 2009}}</ref> Beeching wrote most of the album's material, although a few tracks include songwriting from ], ] and ].<ref name="Painting the Invisible Review">{{cite web|author=(May 2014) |url=http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/music/artist/joy_williams/news/11540084/ |title=Painting the Invisible Review |publisher=Christianmusicplanet.com |date= |access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref> Several of the songs for the album were written on ]'s old piano, at the invitation of her mentor and friend, Melody Green.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=166|title=Great Is Your Glory by Vicky Beeching|access-date=25 July 2013|publisher=]|first=Kevin|last=Davis|date=7 October 2008}}</ref>


Hoping for a less conservative environment than Nashville, Beeching moved to ] in 2008 and began performing in churches there. Her third studio album "Eternity Invades" released in 2010, was recorded in San Diego. It features a song co-written with ], "Glory To God Forever". Hoping for a less conservative environment than Nashville, Beeching moved to ] in 2008 and began performing in churches there. Her third studio album "Eternity Invades" released in 2010, was recorded in San Diego. It features a song co-written with ], "Glory To God Forever".


Beeching was a worship leader at the ] Christian festival from 2010 to 2012, leading worship in the 'Big Top' at ] and participating in the Spring Harvest Theme Group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.springharvest.org/sites/default/files/pictures/Releases/New_theme_group_members_announced_June_2010.pdf|title=Press Release from Spring Harvest: – 17 JUNE 2010 GERARD KELLY AND VICKY BEECHING JOIN SPRING HARVEST THEME GROUP}}</ref> Beeching was a worship leader at the ] Christian festival from 2010 to 2012, leading worship in the 'Big Top' at ] and participating in the Spring Harvest Theme Group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.springharvest.org/sites/default/files/pictures/Releases/New_theme_group_members_announced_June_2010.pdf|title=Press Release from Spring Harvest: – 17 JUNE 2010 GERARD KELLY AND VICKY BEECHING JOIN SPRING HARVEST THEME GROUP|access-date=9 February 2013|archive-date=24 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124092914/http://www.springharvest.org/sites/default/files/pictures/Releases/New_theme_group_members_announced_June_2010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Media presence== ==Media presence==
Beeching's ], which enjoyed some popularity,<ref name="Premier">{{cite web|last1=Brierley|first1=Justin|title=Profile: Vicky Beeching|url=https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2014/October-2014/Profile-Vicky-Beeching|website=Premier Christianity|accessdate=4 June 2016|location=Premier Christianity (magazine)|date=October 2014}}</ref> covered difficult Christian issues such as the ]. Her blog was the Winner for Best Blog in the 2011 Christian New Media Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://bigbible.org.uk/2011/10/vicky-beechings-finalist-interview-for-cnmac11-2/ |title=Vicky Beeching's Finalist Interview For #CNMAC11 |work=Big Bible |date= 10 October 2011|accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christiantoday.com/article/vicky.beeching.easterlive.and.youversion.take.home.christian.media.awards/28770.htm/ |title=Vicky Beeching, EasterLive and YouVersion take home Christian media awards |work=Christian Today |date= 15 October 2011|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref> Beeching's ], which enjoyed some popularity,<ref name="Premier">{{cite web|last1=Brierley|first1=Justin|title=Profile: Vicky Beeching|url=https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2014/October-2014/Profile-Vicky-Beeching|website=Premier Christianity|access-date=4 June 2016|location=Premier Christianity (magazine)|date=October 2014}}</ref> covered difficult Christian issues such as the ]. Her blog was the Winner for Best Blog in the 2011 Christian New Media Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://bigbible.org.uk/2011/10/vicky-beechings-finalist-interview-for-cnmac11-2/ |title=Vicky Beeching's Finalist Interview For #CNMAC11 |work=Big Bible |date= 10 October 2011|access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christiantoday.com/article/vicky.beeching.easterlive.and.youversion.take.home.christian.media.awards/28770.htm/ |title=Vicky Beeching, EasterLive and YouVersion take home Christian media awards |work=Christian Today |date= 15 October 2011|access-date=6 August 2016}}</ref>


Beeching began speaking out in favour of gay marriage beginning in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://vickybeeching.com/blog/equal-marriage-initial-thoughts/ |title=My support of same-sex marriage - @VickyBeeching's blog |first= Vicky|last= Beeching|work=vickybeeching.com |date= 10 April 2014|accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref> Her blog posts on support for same-sex marriage were widely read and received a mixed response - many LGBT Christians expressed their gratitude and shared their own stories of faith and sexuality, but some of her social media followers expressed disapproval, even 'quite vitriolic and quite personal' criticism.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christiantoday.com/article/vicky.beeching.same.sex.marriage.should.be.celebrated/38316.htm |title=Vicky Beeching: 'Same sex marriage should be celebrated' |work=christiantoday.com |date= 24 June 2014|accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref> However, in response to the discussions she'd started in the church about sexuality, she received a nomination for the 2014 ] in the category of "Positive Role Model Race, Faith & Religion". (She did not end up on the shortlist for that year.)<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/2014-shortlist-positive-role-models/ |title=2014 Shortlist for Positive Role Models|work=nationaldiversityawards.co.uk |year=2014 |accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref> Beeching began speaking out in favour of gay marriage beginning in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://vickybeeching.com/blog/equal-marriage-initial-thoughts/|title= My support of same-sex marriage - @VickyBeeching's blog|first= Vicky|last= Beeching|work= vickybeeching.com|date= 10 April 2014|access-date= 14 August 2014|archive-date= 29 November 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141129033520/http://vickybeeching.com/blog/equal-marriage-initial-thoughts/|url-status= dead}}</ref> Her blog posts on support for same-sex marriage were widely read and received a mixed response - many LGBT Christians expressed their gratitude and shared their own stories of faith and sexuality, but some of her social media followers expressed disapproval, even 'quite vitriolic and quite personal' criticism.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christiantoday.com/article/vicky.beeching.same.sex.marriage.should.be.celebrated/38316.htm |title=Vicky Beeching: 'Same sex marriage should be celebrated' |work=christiantoday.com |date= 24 June 2014|access-date=14 August 2014}}</ref> However, in response to the discussions she'd started in the church about sexuality, she received a nomination for the 2014 ] in the category of "Positive Role Model Race, Faith & Religion". (She did not end up on the shortlist for that year.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/2014-shortlist-positive-role-models/|title=2014 Shortlist for Positive Role Models|work=nationaldiversityawards.co.uk|year=2014|access-date=14 August 2014|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819104215/http://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/2014-shortlist-positive-role-models/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In August 2014, Beeching announced she is a ].<ref name=Independent>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/vicky-beeching-star-of-the-christian-rock-scene-im-gay-god-loves-me-just-the-way-i-am-9667566.html|title=Vicky Beeching, star of the Christian rock scene: 'I'm gay. God loves me just the way I am'|accessdate=14 August 2014|publisher=]|first=Patrick|last=Strudwick|date=13 August 2014}}</ref> In November 2014, she was awarded third place in '']'''s 2014 Rainbow List (a feature highlighting influential LGBT persons).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/therainbowlist/rainbow-list-2014-1-to-100-9848457.html|title=Rainbow List 2014, 1 to 101|newspaper=]|date=9 November 2014|accessdate=21 April 2015}}</ref> In August 2014, Beeching announced she is a ].<ref name=Independent>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/vicky-beeching-star-of-the-christian-rock-scene-im-gay-god-loves-me-just-the-way-i-am-9667566.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220817/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/vicky-beeching-star-of-the-christian-rock-scene-im-gay-god-loves-me-just-the-way-i-am-9667566.html |archive-date=17 August 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Vicky Beeching, star of the Christian rock scene: 'I'm gay. God loves me just the way I am'|access-date=14 August 2014|work=]|first=Patrick|last=Strudwick|date=13 August 2014}}</ref> In November 2014, she was awarded third place in '']'''s 2014 Rainbow List (a feature highlighting influential LGBT persons).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/therainbowlist/rainbow-list-2014-1-to-100-9848457.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220817/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/therainbowlist/rainbow-list-2014-1-to-100-9848457.html |archive-date=17 August 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Rainbow List 2014, 1 to 101|newspaper=]|date=9 November 2014|access-date=21 April 2015}}</ref>


As of mid-2015, Beeching is a regular ] and ] commentator on issues related to ], ], women, ], music and social media. In June 2018, she published "Undivided", a memoir about her faith and sexuality, with ]. As of mid-2015, Beeching is a regular ] and ] commentator on issues related to ], ], women, ], music and social media. In June 2018, she published "Undivided", a memoir about her faith and sexuality, with ].


Beeching also enjoys a large ] following (over 50,000 people in August 2014<ref name="Premier" /> and over 64,000 as of June 2017).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/vickybeeching|title=Vicki Beeching|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=18 June 2017}}</ref> Beeching also enjoys a large ] following (over 50,000 people in August 2014<ref name="Premier" /> and over 64,000 as of June 2017).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/vickybeeching|title=Vicki Beeching|publisher=Twitter|access-date=18 June 2017}}</ref>


==Personal life and education== ==Personal life and education==
Beeching grew up in ], where she attended the youth group at St. Mary Bredin Anglican church.<ref name="CrossRhythms">{{cite web|last1=Cummings|first1=Tony|title=Vicky Beeching: A worship leader with a degree in Theology|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Vicky_Beeching_A_worship_leader_with_a_degree_in_Theology/38620/p1/|website=Cross Rhythms|accessdate=4 June 2016|date=1 March 2003}}</ref> She was enrolled in ] from ages 11 to 18, and in her early teens she found it extremely difficult to reconcile her conservative Christian faith with her attraction to her peers at school.<ref name=Independent /> She moved to ] in 1997 to attend the ],<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> where she obtained a BA in 2000 and an MA in 2001, both in ].<ref name="LinkedIn">{{cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickybeeching|title=Vicki Beeching | accessdate=4 June 2016}}</ref> Beeching grew up in ], where she attended the youth group at St. Mary Bredin Anglican church.<ref name="CrossRhythms">{{cite web|last1=Cummings|first1=Tony|title=Vicky Beeching: A worship leader with a degree in Theology|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Vicky_Beeching_A_worship_leader_with_a_degree_in_Theology/38620/p1/|website=Cross Rhythms|access-date=4 June 2016|date=1 March 2003}}</ref> She was enrolled in ] from ages 11 to 18, and in her early teens she found it extremely difficult to reconcile her conservative Christian faith with her attraction to her female peers at school.<ref name=Independent /> She moved to ] in 1997 to attend the ],<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in 2000 and a Master's degree in 2001, both in ].<ref name="LinkedIn">{{cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickybeeching|title=Vicki Beeching | access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref>


In 2009 she was diagnosed with ], for which she underwent 18 months of chemotherapy.<ref name=Independent/> In 2009, she was diagnosed with ], for which she underwent 18 months of chemotherapy.<ref name=Independent/>


Beeching moved to central ] in December 2012.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=vickybeeching|author=Vicky Beeching|number=285354695743111168|date=30 December 2012|title=Moving day. So many boxes &amp; so much bubble wrap! Excited to live in central London though, so worth all the work.}}</ref> As of February 2013,<ref name="auto">{{cite tweet|user=vickybeeching|author=Vicky Beeching|number=299199321365164034|date=6 February 2013|title=For all who asked - my PhD is on religion &amp; technology, especially the impact of online connectivity on human relationships &amp; the body.}}</ref> she was pursuing a PhD in the Department of Theology and Religion at ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dur.ac.uk/theology.religion/staff/profile/?id=10351|title=Miss Beeching - Durham University|publisher=|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref> with religion, technology, "online connectivity,"<ref name="auto"/> and ethics<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=Vicky Beeching's blog of 23 June 2014|quote=originally I was researching technology and ethics, but the topic of Christianity and sexuality became my main PhD focus earlier this year| url=http://vickybeeching.com/blog/lgbt-theology-2/ }}</ref> as her topics of focus. In June 2014, Beeching announced that she had changed her PhD focus topic to ].<ref name="auto1"/> Shortly after she announced her sexual orientation, an interviewer wrote that her new PhD focus is specifically Christianity and ], she continues to identify as an ] Christian who is member to the ].<ref name="Premier" /> Beeching moved to central ] in December 2012.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=vickybeeching|author=Vicky Beeching|number=285354695743111168|date=30 December 2012|title=Moving day. So many boxes & so much bubble wrap! Excited to live in central London though, so worth all the work.}}</ref> As of February 2013,<ref name="auto">{{cite tweet|user=vickybeeching|author=Vicky Beeching|number=299199321365164034|date=6 February 2013|title=For all who asked - my PhD is on religion & technology, especially the impact of online connectivity on human relationships & the body.}}</ref> she was pursuing a PhD in the Department of Theology and Religion at ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dur.ac.uk/theology.religion/staff/profile/?id=10351|title=Miss Beeching - Durham University|publisher=|access-date=6 August 2016}}</ref> with religion, technology, "online connectivity,"<ref name="auto"/> and ethics<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=Vicky Beeching's blog of 23 June 2014|quote=originally I was researching technology and ethics, but the topic of Christianity and sexuality became my main PhD focus earlier this year|url=http://vickybeeching.com/blog/lgbt-theology-2/|access-date=30 August 2014|archive-date=3 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903095039/http://vickybeeching.com/blog/lgbt-theology-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as her topics of focus. In June 2014, Beeching announced that she had changed her PhD focus topic to ].<ref name="auto1"/> Shortly after she announced her sexual orientation, an interviewer wrote that her new PhD focus is specifically Christianity and ]; she continues to identify as an ] Christian who is a member of the ].<ref name="Premier" />


Since the publication of her memoir, Beeching has received an onslaught of vitriol via social media. As a result, she has taken regular breaks from social media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/vickybeeching/status/1130856224067530752|title=After a 6-month break from social media, I'm opening the door & peeking back in. Other than a few retweets about my book (to support my lovely publisher) I've stayed away. It was necessary for my overall health; trolling had really worn me down. It's good to be back :-)pic.twitter.com/MoPZrTw5le|first=Vicky|last=Beeching|date=21 May 2019}}</ref> In May 2019, Beeching tweeted that she had moved to the Kent coast due to expensive rent in London and because of her health conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/vickybeeching/status/1130869243027886080|title=One new thing in my life: although I loved London, rent was too expensive and the air quality and frenetic pace weren't helping my health issues. So, I recently moved to the Kent coast. It's proving helpful for my mental and physical health. Walking by the sea is so peaceful :)pic.twitter.com/raJw42A4Da|first=Vicky|last=Beeching|date=21 May 2019}}</ref> Since the publication of her memoir, Beeching has received criticism. As a result, she has taken regular breaks from social media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/vickybeeching/status/1130856224067530752|title=After a 6-month break from social media, I'm opening the door & peeking back in. Other than a few retweets about my book (to support my lovely publisher) I've stayed away. It was necessary for my overall health; trolling had really worn me down. It's good to be back :-)pic.twitter.com/MoPZrTw5le|first=Vicky|last=Beeching|date=21 May 2019}}</ref> In May 2019, Beeching tweeted that she had moved to the Kent coast due to expensive rent in London and because of her health conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/vickybeeching/status/1130869243027886080|title=One new thing in my life: although I loved London, rent was too expensive and the air quality and frenetic pace weren't helping my health issues. So, I recently moved to the Kent coast. It's proving helpful for my mental and physical health. Walking by the sea is so peaceful :)pic.twitter.com/raJw42A4Da|first=Vicky|last=Beeching|date=21 May 2019}}</ref>

== Health issues ==
Beeching has written about her health issues including ], ] and ]. As of 2023, she is mostly housebound, significantly disabled and reliant on an electric wheelchair for mobility the majority of the time.<ref>https://vickybeeching.com/support/</ref>


==Honours== ==Honours==
In June 2017, Beeching was awarded the ] by the Archbishop of Canterbury "for outstanding contributions to contemporary worship music".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Archbishop of Canterbury's Awards: Citations in Alphabetical Order|url=http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/data/files/resources/5876/2017-Citations-Alphabetical.pdf|website=Archbishop of Canterbury|accessdate=14 July 2017|format=pdf|date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619185947/http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/data/files/resources/5876/2017-Citations-Alphabetical.pdf|archive-date=19 June 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In June 2017, Beeching was awarded the ] by the ] "for outstanding contributions to contemporary worship music".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Archbishop of Canterbury's Awards: Citations in Alphabetical Order|url=http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/data/files/resources/5876/2017-Citations-Alphabetical.pdf|website=Archbishop of Canterbury|access-date=14 July 2017|date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619185947/http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/data/files/resources/5876/2017-Citations-Alphabetical.pdf|archive-date=19 June 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


==Works== ==Works==
Line 66: Line 69:
====Compilation appearances==== ====Compilation appearances====
* ''The People's Album'' - (1997, ]) - "Search Me O God" (lyrics by Beeching, sung by Beth Redman)<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> * ''The People's Album'' - (1997, ]) - "Search Me O God" (lyrics by Beeching, sung by Beth Redman)<ref name="CrossRhythms" />
* '']'' - (1999, ])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vruk.bandcamp.com/album/hungry|title=Hungry, by Vineyard UK|publisher=|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref> - "There's No One Like Our God"<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> (later re-recorded for "Yesterday, Today & Forever") * '']'' - (1999, ])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vruk.bandcamp.com/album/hungry|title=Hungry, by Vineyard UK|publisher=|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-date=14 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814100428/http://vruk.bandcamp.com/album/hungry|url-status=dead}}</ref> - "There's No One Like Our God"<ref name="CrossRhythms" /> (later re-recorded for "Yesterday, Today & Forever")
* ''Surrender'' - (2000, ]) - "At All Times"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/at-all-times/|title=At All Times - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref> (later re-recorded for "Painting the Invisible") and "All That I Need"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/all-that-i-need/|title=All That I Need - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref> * ''Surrender'' - (2000, ]) - "At All Times"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/at-all-times/|title=At All Times - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|access-date=6 August 2016}}</ref> (later re-recorded for "Painting the Invisible") and "All That I Need"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/all-that-i-need/|title=All That I Need - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|access-date=6 August 2016}}</ref>
* ''Holy'' - (2002, ]) - "Awesome God"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/awesome-god/|title=Awesome God - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref> (later re-recorded as "Majesty and Mystery (Awesome God)" for "Yesterday, Today & Forever") and "Above All Else"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/above-all-else/|title=Above All Else - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref> (later re-recorded and featured in other albums) * ''Holy'' - (2002, ]) - "Awesome God"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/awesome-god/|title=Awesome God - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|access-date=6 August 2016}}</ref> (later re-recorded as "Majesty and Mystery (Awesome God)" for "Yesterday, Today & Forever") and "Above All Else"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vineyardrecords.co.uk/web/songs/above-all-else/|title=Above All Else - Vineyard Records UK|publisher=|access-date=6 August 2016}}</ref> (later re-recorded and featured in other albums)
* ''Anthem of the Free'' - (2003, ]) - "Yesterday Today And Forever" (later featured in other albums) * ''Anthem of the Free'' - (2003, ]) - "Yesterday Today And Forever" (later featured in other albums)
* ''Festival Manchester'' (2003, ]) - "Nothing is impossible" (later re-recorded for "Yesterday, Today & Forever") * ''Festival Manchester'' (2003, ]) - "Nothing is impossible" (later re-recorded for "Yesterday, Today & Forever")
* ''Here I Am To Worship - Vol. 1'' (2004, EMICMG) - "Yesterday, Today, And Forever" * ''Here I Am To Worship - Vol. 1'' (2004, EMICMG) - "Yesterday, Today, And Forever"
* ''Precious'' (2004) - "Extravagant Worship" (originally from "Shelter" EP but re-recorded for this album)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rimmer|first1=Mike|title=Various - SoulSista: * ''Night of Joy 2005'' (2005, Disney) - "Awesome God" (the version later featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever") Precious|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Various/SoulSista_Precious/9401/|website=Cross Rhythms|accessdate=18 October 2017}}</ref> * ''Precious'' (2004) - "Extravagant Worship" (originally from "Shelter" EP but re-recorded for this album)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rimmer|first1=Mike|title=Various - SoulSista: * ''Night of Joy 2005'' (2005, Disney) - "Awesome God" (the version later featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever") Precious|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Various/SoulSista_Precious/9401/|website=Cross Rhythms|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
* ''Here I Am To Worship Vol 2'' (2005, EMICMG) - "Stronger Than The Storm" (later featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever") * ''Here I Am To Worship Vol 2'' (2005, EMICMG) - "Stronger Than The Storm" (later featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever")
* ''Here I Am To Worship 3'' (2005) - "Above All Else" (featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever") * ''Here I Am To Worship 3'' (2005) - "Above All Else" (featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever")
* ''Help Me Hold On'' - UK worship (2005, Vital) - "Above All Else" * ''Help Me Hold On'' - UK worship (2005, Vital) - "Above All Else"
* ''Almighty Sound'' by Johnny Parks (2006, ]) - "Season of Singing" * ''Almighty Sound'' by Johnny Parks (2006, ]) - "Season of Singing"
* '']'' (2006, ]) - "Yesterday, Today And Forever"<ref>{{cite web|title=WOW Worship track listing|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/wow-worship-aqua-mw0000402117|website=All Music|accessdate=18 October 2017}}</ref> * '']'' (2006, ]) - "Yesterday, Today And Forever"<ref>{{cite web|title=WOW Worship track listing|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/wow-worship-aqua-mw0000402117|website=All Music|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
* ''The Ultimate Collection - Worship'' (2006) - ''Yesterday, Today And Forever''<ref>{{cite web|title=The Ultimate Collection track listing|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-ultimate-collection-worship-mw0000448635|website=All Music|accessdate=18 October 2017}}</ref> * ''The Ultimate Collection - Worship'' (2006) - ''Yesterday, Today And Forever''<ref>{{cite web|title=The Ultimate Collection track listing|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-ultimate-collection-worship-mw0000448635|website=All Music|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
* ''Dancing Generation'' (2006, ]) - ''Yesterday, Today And Forever'' (previously featured on ''Anthem of the Free'')<ref>{{cite web|title=Dancing Generation track listing|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Soul_Survivor/Soul_Survivor_Live_20002004_Dancing_Generation/13064/|website=All Music|accessdate=18 October 2017}}</ref> * ''Dancing Generation'' (2006, ]) - ''Yesterday, Today And Forever'' (previously featured on ''Anthem of the Free'')<ref>{{cite web|title=Dancing Generation track listing|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Soul_Survivor/Soul_Survivor_Live_20002004_Dancing_Generation/13064/|website=All Music|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
* ''Survivor: 10 Years'' (2007, ]) - ''Yesterday Today And Forever''<ref>{{cite web|title=10 Years track listing|url=https://rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/various_artists_f2/survivor___10_years/|accessdate=18 October 2017}}</ref> * ''Survivor: 10 Years'' (2007, ]) - ''Yesterday Today And Forever''<ref>{{cite web|title=10 Years track listing|url=https://rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/various_artists_f2/survivor___10_years/|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>


=== Books === === Books ===
Line 91: Line 94:
* {{official website|http://vickybeeching.com}} * {{official website|http://vickybeeching.com}}


{{Portal bar|Christianity|Biography|England|LGBT}} {{Portal bar|Christianity|Biography|England|LGBTQ}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


Line 97: Line 100:
] ]
] ]
⚫ ]
⚫ ]
]
]
]
] ]
⚫ ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
⚫ ]
⚫ ]
⚫ ]
]

Latest revision as of 09:53, 31 December 2024

British Christian musician and commentator
Vicky Beeching
BornVictoria Louise Beeching
(1979-07-17) 17 July 1979 (age 45)
Canterbury, Kent, England
NationalityBritish
Alma mater
Occupation(s)Musician and religious commentator
Websitevickybeeching.com Edit this at Wikidata

Victoria Louise "Vicky" Beeching (born 17 July 1979) is a British musician and religious commentator. She is best known for her work in the American contemporary worship music genre, and has been described by The Guardian as "arguably the most influential Christian of her generation" due to her Twitter following and appearances on BBC's Thought for the Day.

Musical career

June 2010

Beeching's mother, who leads musical worship at her church, taught Beeching to play the piano and guitar when she was young. Beeching began writing songs at the age of 10, and leading worship music in church youth services in her early teens.

From 1997 to 2001, she attended Oxford Vineyard Church, where she also led worship music during services. At Vineyard, she learned more about music writing from Brian Doerksen and Brenton Brown.

Beeching moved to Nashville around 2002 for her music career. In December 2002, she released the Shelter EP through EMI UK and was featured on various compilation albums. She disclosed in a 2003 interview that she had recently quit her job as a Management Consultant so that she could focus on worship music full-time.

Beeching signed with Sparrow Records and released a 2005 EP, titled The Journey. Her first full-length Sparrow album, Yesterday, Today & Forever, was released on 27 December 2005. Her second full-length studio album, Painting the Invisible, was produced by Ed Cash and Nathan Nockels and released on 3 April 2007. Beeching wrote most of the album's material, although a few tracks include songwriting from Ed Cash, Matthew West and Joy Williams. Several of the songs for the album were written on Keith Green's old piano, at the invitation of her mentor and friend, Melody Green.

Hoping for a less conservative environment than Nashville, Beeching moved to San Diego in 2008 and began performing in churches there. Her third studio album "Eternity Invades" released in 2010, was recorded in San Diego. It features a song co-written with Steve Fee, "Glory To God Forever".

Beeching was a worship leader at the Spring Harvest Christian festival from 2010 to 2012, leading worship in the 'Big Top' at Minehead and participating in the Spring Harvest Theme Group.

Media presence

Beeching's blog, which enjoyed some popularity, covered difficult Christian issues such as the role of women in the Church. Her blog was the Winner for Best Blog in the 2011 Christian New Media Awards.

Beeching began speaking out in favour of gay marriage beginning in December 2013. Her blog posts on support for same-sex marriage were widely read and received a mixed response - many LGBT Christians expressed their gratitude and shared their own stories of faith and sexuality, but some of her social media followers expressed disapproval, even 'quite vitriolic and quite personal' criticism. However, in response to the discussions she'd started in the church about sexuality, she received a nomination for the 2014 National Diversity Awards in the category of "Positive Role Model Race, Faith & Religion". (She did not end up on the shortlist for that year.)

In August 2014, Beeching announced she is a lesbian. In November 2014, she was awarded third place in The Independent on Sunday's 2014 Rainbow List (a feature highlighting influential LGBT persons).

As of mid-2015, Beeching is a regular television and radio commentator on issues related to ethics, technology, women, Christianity, music and social media. In June 2018, she published "Undivided", a memoir about her faith and sexuality, with HarperCollins.

Beeching also enjoys a large Twitter following (over 50,000 people in August 2014 and over 64,000 as of June 2017).

Personal life and education

Beeching grew up in Canterbury, where she attended the youth group at St. Mary Bredin Anglican church. She was enrolled in Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School from ages 11 to 18, and in her early teens she found it extremely difficult to reconcile her conservative Christian faith with her attraction to her female peers at school. She moved to Oxford in 1997 to attend the University of Oxford, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in 2000 and a Master's degree in 2001, both in theology.

In 2009, she was diagnosed with linear scleroderma morphea, for which she underwent 18 months of chemotherapy.

Beeching moved to central London in December 2012. As of February 2013, she was pursuing a PhD in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University, with religion, technology, "online connectivity," and ethics as her topics of focus. In June 2014, Beeching announced that she had changed her PhD focus topic to Christianity and sexuality. Shortly after she announced her sexual orientation, an interviewer wrote that her new PhD focus is specifically Christianity and same-sex marriage; she continues to identify as an Evangelical Christian who is a member of the Church of England.

Since the publication of her memoir, Beeching has received criticism. As a result, she has taken regular breaks from social media. In May 2019, Beeching tweeted that she had moved to the Kent coast due to expensive rent in London and because of her health conditions.

Health issues

Beeching has written about her health issues including Scleroderma, Ehler-Danlos Syndrome and ME/CFS. As of 2023, she is mostly housebound, significantly disabled and reliant on an electric wheelchair for mobility the majority of the time.

Honours

In June 2017, Beeching was awarded the Cranmer Award for Worship by the Archbishop of Canterbury "for outstanding contributions to contemporary worship music".

Works

Discography

  • Shelter EP (2002)
  • The Journey EP (2005)
  • Yesterday, Today & Forever (2005)
  • Painting the Invisible (2007)
  • Eternity Invades (2010)

Compilation appearances

  • The People's Album - (1997, Soul Survivor) - "Search Me O God" (lyrics by Beeching, sung by Beth Redman)
  • Hungry - (1999, Vineyard UK) - "There's No One Like Our God" (later re-recorded for "Yesterday, Today & Forever")
  • Surrender - (2000, Vineyard UK) - "At All Times" (later re-recorded for "Painting the Invisible") and "All That I Need"
  • Holy - (2002, Vineyard UK) - "Awesome God" (later re-recorded as "Majesty and Mystery (Awesome God)" for "Yesterday, Today & Forever") and "Above All Else" (later re-recorded and featured in other albums)
  • Anthem of the Free - (2003, Soul Survivor) - "Yesterday Today And Forever" (later featured in other albums)
  • Festival Manchester (2003, Kingsway) - "Nothing is impossible" (later re-recorded for "Yesterday, Today & Forever")
  • Here I Am To Worship - Vol. 1 (2004, EMICMG) - "Yesterday, Today, And Forever"
  • Precious (2004) - "Extravagant Worship" (originally from "Shelter" EP but re-recorded for this album)
  • Here I Am To Worship Vol 2 (2005, EMICMG) - "Stronger Than The Storm" (later featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever")
  • Here I Am To Worship 3 (2005) - "Above All Else" (featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever")
  • Help Me Hold On - UK worship (2005, Vital) - "Above All Else"
  • Almighty Sound by Johnny Parks (2006, Survivor Records) - "Season of Singing"
  • WOW Worship Aqua (2006, Provident) - "Yesterday, Today And Forever"
  • The Ultimate Collection - Worship (2006) - Yesterday, Today And Forever
  • Dancing Generation (2006, Soul Survivor) - Yesterday, Today And Forever (previously featured on Anthem of the Free)
  • Survivor: 10 Years (2007, Soul Survivor) - Yesterday Today And Forever

Books

  • Undivided: Coming Out, Becoming Whole and Living Free from Shame. HarperCollins 2018. ISBN 978-0008182144.

References

  1. Wootton, Janet (2013). This is Our Song: Women's Hymn-Writing. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock. p. 193.
  2. Ormerod, Peter (18 August 2014). "Why Vicky Beeching coming out matters". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  3. ^ Brierley, Justin (October 2014). "Profile: Vicky Beeching". Premier Christianity. Premier Christianity (magazine). Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  4. "Interview with Vicky Beeching". christiantoday.com. 13 February 2006. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  5. ^ Cummings, Tony (1 March 2003). "Vicky Beeching: A worship leader with a degree in Theology". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  6. ^ "Vicki Beeching". Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  7. "Vicky Beeching, "Shelter EP" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 18 August 2009.
  8. "Vicky Beeching, "The Journey EP" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  9. Mabee, Justin (29 December 2005). "Vicky Beeching, "Yesterday, Today & Forever" CD Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 18 August 2009.
  10. "Painting the Invisible > Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 18 August 2009.
  11. (May 2014). "Painting the Invisible Review". Christianmusicplanet.com. Retrieved 14 August 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. Davis, Kevin (7 October 2008). "Great Is Your Glory by Vicky Beeching". Creation Festival. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  13. "Press Release from Spring Harvest: – 17 JUNE 2010 GERARD KELLY AND VICKY BEECHING JOIN SPRING HARVEST THEME GROUP" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 November 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  14. "Vicky Beeching's Finalist Interview For #CNMAC11". Big Bible. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  15. "Vicky Beeching, EasterLive and YouVersion take home Christian media awards". Christian Today. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  16. Beeching, Vicky (10 April 2014). "My support of same-sex marriage - @VickyBeeching's blog". vickybeeching.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  17. "Vicky Beeching: 'Same sex marriage should be celebrated'". christiantoday.com. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  18. "2014 Shortlist for Positive Role Models". nationaldiversityawards.co.uk. 2014. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  19. ^ Strudwick, Patrick (13 August 2014). "Vicky Beeching, star of the Christian rock scene: 'I'm gay. God loves me just the way I am'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  20. "Rainbow List 2014, 1 to 101". The Independent on Sunday. 9 November 2014. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  21. "Vicki Beeching". Twitter. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  22. Vicky Beeching (30 December 2012). "Moving day. So many boxes & so much bubble wrap! Excited to live in central London though, so worth all the work" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Vicky Beeching (6 February 2013). "For all who asked - my PhD is on religion & technology, especially the impact of online connectivity on human relationships & the body" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  24. "Miss Beeching - Durham University". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  25. ^ "Vicky Beeching's blog of 23 June 2014". Archived from the original on 3 September 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014. originally I was researching technology and ethics, but the topic of Christianity and sexuality became my main PhD focus earlier this year
  26. Beeching, Vicky (21 May 2019). "After a 6-month break from social media, I'm opening the door & peeking back in. Other than a few retweets about my book (to support my lovely publisher) I've stayed away. It was necessary for my overall health; trolling had really worn me down. It's good to be back :-)pic.twitter.com/MoPZrTw5le".
  27. Beeching, Vicky (21 May 2019). "One new thing in my life: although I loved London, rent was too expensive and the air quality and frenetic pace weren't helping my health issues. So, I recently moved to the Kent coast. It's proving helpful for my mental and physical health. Walking by the sea is so peaceful :)pic.twitter.com/raJw42A4Da".
  28. https://vickybeeching.com/support/
  29. "The Archbishop of Canterbury's Awards: Citations in Alphabetical Order" (PDF). Archbishop of Canterbury. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  30. "Hungry, by Vineyard UK". Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  31. "At All Times - Vineyard Records UK". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  32. "All That I Need - Vineyard Records UK". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  33. "Awesome God - Vineyard Records UK". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  34. "Above All Else - Vineyard Records UK". Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  35. Rimmer, Mike. "Various - SoulSista: * Night of Joy 2005 (2005, Disney) - "Awesome God" (the version later featured in "Yesterday, Today, & Forever") Precious". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  36. "WOW Worship track listing". All Music. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  37. "The Ultimate Collection track listing". All Music. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  38. "Dancing Generation track listing". All Music. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  39. "10 Years track listing". Retrieved 18 October 2017.

External links

Portals: Categories:
Vicky Beeching: Difference between revisions Add topic