08.22.09
Lutherans will allow gay clergy in same-sex relationships
Meeting in Minneapolis, the 4.7-million member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) , the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States, voted Friday “to allow Lutherans in same-gender relationships to serve as pastors of congregations and serve in other professional leadership roles.” Until now, only celibate gay men and lesbians could serve such church roles.
Three other major Protestant denominations – the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Episcopal Church, and the United Methodist Church – recently have wrestled with the issue as well.
Some see a cultural and social broadening in this latest decision to allow gay clergy in same-sex relationships to hold pastoral positions.