Ways things change

Theories of change vary widely. Does progress arise from
countless participants, working in countless places and ways? Does it require
an organized movement? How critical are public, influential leaders? At what
point is there a need for precedent to be set from the top down?

The civil rights movement in this country required all of
the above. No one really disputes this; debates about it are largely of the
chicken/egg variety. These questions come up not out of idle speculation but
because Christians see that there is yet work to be done.

In many churches, the civil rights movement has been the
defining analogy as we explore issues of sexual identity and practice.
Intersections International--a multifaith, multi-ethnic group--has put
considerable effort into trying to inspire and sustain change in this area. Its
"Believe Out Loud" campaign is a coalition of clergy and laypeople from many of
denominations who hope to encourage those who support full inclusion to speak
up.