Just a few short years ago the general impression in America was "God v. Gays." Joseph Ward III of the Believe Out Loud organization and writing in the Huffington Post saw a big change in that equation, in spite claims by Rick Perry. Believe Out Loud is an effort to have gay-friendly pastors actually say as much so gays and parents of gays won't think their church is against them. Ward lists the top ten things in 2011 that show at least some Christians welcome gays. The webpage is a slideshow, so worthwhile to visit for the pictures.
10. A Believe Out Loud video was rejected by Sojourners. The incident prompted lots of attention to the issue and Sojourners got a lot of response.
9. Rick Perry's "Strong" video dissing gay military personnel got a firestorm of criticism from Christians.
8. When the Michigan Legislature attempted to put a religious exemption into their anti-bullying bill they got a lot of pressure to change. Lutherans Concerned has anti-bullying curriculum for churches.
7. In October the United Church for Christ reached 971 congregations that welcome gays and expect that number to top 1000 this coming spring.
6. The Association for Welcoming and Affirming Baptists took a petition with 10,000 names urging the Southern Baptist Convention to apologize for the way they have harmed gay people.
5. 1,000 United Methodist Clergy have declared to make an Alter for All, saying they will officiate or bless same-sex couples in spite of denomination prohibitions.
4. The Presbyterian Church now allows gay pastors.
3. The military ban against gays is gone (though the blurb doesn't say what this has to do with religion).
2. Marriage Equality came to New York with 700 church leaders actively pushing for the new law.
1. Hillary Clinton's UN speech on gay rights are human rights included comments about how religious traditions can be sources of compassion and inspiration.
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