Sufjan Stevens rarely gives interviews, and over the past few years, he’s stepped even further out of the spotlight following a diagnosis of the autoimmune disease Guillain-Barré Syndrome. But in a new interview with Vulture, he offers both an update on his health, work, and some of his views on Christianity and the Bible.

In terms of health, the 49-year-old singer-songwriter says he’s “doing okay” and in “a state of repair and survival.” He’s not ready to consider touring yet. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves, potentially causing weakness, paralysis, and severe pain. There is currently no known cure.

In a 2023 Instagram post, Stevens shared this about his diagnosis and recovery:

"It’s a slow process, but they say I will ‘recover,’ it just takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work. Most people who have GBS learn to walk again on their own within a year, so I am hopeful. I’m only in my second week of rehab but it is going really well and I am working really hard to get back on my feet. I’m committed to getting better, I’m in good spirits, and I’m surrounded by a really great team."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sufjan (@sufjan)

Stevens also spoke about the immense grief of losing his partner, Evans Richardson, in 2023, to whom he dedicated his most recent album, Javelin.

"I felt like I had fewer fucks to give about anything or anyone after that. Life is short. You got to just be true and honest and real. That’s what death does to you."

The interview also touches on Stevens’ sexuality and how he relates to religion and the Bible:

"I’ve always felt that my relationship to God is a very intimate and sensual one. Sacraments are. It’s engaging with God in a physical way. You’re literally eating the flesh and drinking the blood of God during the Eucharist. It doesn’t get much more erotic than that."

On the Bible, Stevens adds:

"The Bible’s very gay. Just all men. That’s what you get when there’s a patriarchy that’s endured for so long. Jesus was single, never married; the disciples were all dudes..."

Stevens notes he's also been mostly working on other people's albums, helping especially with production, as he did on John Legend's recent children's album. He has not yet begun working on any of his own new material.