(CP) – Christian children’s book author Matthew Paul Turner came out as gay on social media and announced that he and his wife are divorcing as he seeks to “embrace freedom, hope, and God as a gay man.” Turner, the former editor of CCM, a magazine covering contemporary Christian music, and the author of bestselling children’s books, made the announcement on Facebook and Instagram Friday morning.

“Dear friends, I have difficult news to share. After much thought, prayer, and counseling, Jessica and I have made the decision to end our marriage,” he wrote. “While we’re best friends and thoroughly love doing life, parenting, and pursuing our dreams together, ending our marriage is necessary because I am gay.”

“(A)s someone who spent 30+ years in fundamentalist/evangelical churches, exploring God through conservative theologies, I’ve lived many days overwhelmed by fear, shame, and self-hatred,” he continued. “But for the first time in my life, despite the sadness and grief I’m feeling right now, I can say with confidence that I’m ready to embrace freedom, hope, and God as a gay man.”

Jessica Turner, who is also an author and founder of the blog The Mom Creative, wrote in a Facebook post: “We are moving forward with ending our marriage while remaining deeply committed to our family and each other. We are all adjusting to a new normal, with our home now extended under two rooftops.” FULL REPORT