< Return to Famous Science Fiction Writers
< Return to Famous Lutherans
< Return to Famous Congregationalists

The Religious Affiliation of Science Fiction Writer
Connie Willis


Connie Willis has been both a Lutheran and Congregationalist. She is a member of the United Church of Christ (the major American heir to Congregationalism).

Asked about whether her religious affiliation directly influences her writing, Willis said (Source: OMNI Visions transcript, 4 Dec. 1997.):

I think writers have to tell the truth as they know it. On the other hand, I think every truly religious person is a heretic at heart because you can't be true to an established agenda. You have to be true to what you think. I think Madeleine L'Engle and C.S. Lewis both have times when they become apologists for religion rather than writers. I want always to be a writer, and if my religion is what has to go, so be it. The story is everything.
In a 1996 Science Fiction Weekly interview, Willis said: "I sing soprano in a Congregationalist church choir. It is my belief that everything you need to know about the world can be learned in a church choir." [Source]
Webpage created 25 July 2005. Last modified 31 July 2005.
We are always striving to increase the accuracy and usefulness of our website. We are happy to hear from you. Please submit questions, suggestions, comments, corrections, etc. to: webmaster@adherents.com.