ELCA Opens Ordination to Noncelibate Homosexuals

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090822/elca-opens-ordination-to-noncelibate-homosexuals/index.html

[Christian Post] 22 Aug 2009--The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Friday approved a resolution to allow gays and lesbians in same-sex relationships to be ordained.

ELCA's highest legislative body voted 559-451 during the biennial Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis.

It was a moment of celebration for supporters of the resolution, which overturned the denomination's ban on noncelibate gay and lesbian clergy. But opponents warn the action will likely lead to an exodus of churches.

"This will cause an ever greater loss in members and finances. I can't believe the church I loved and served for 40 years can condone what God condemns," said the Rev. Richard Mahan, pastor at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Charleston, W.Va., according to The Associated Press. "Nowhere in Scripture does it say homosexuality and same-sex marriage is acceptable to God. Instead, it says it is immoral and perverted."

After the vote, the conservative Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform), which had been officially recognized by the ELCA, severed ties with the 4.6 million-member denomination and declared itself an independent Lutheran organization.

"We can no longer in good conscience participate in this relationship with the offices in Chicago," said the Rev. Paull Spring of State College, Pa., chair of Lutheran CORE.

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http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-08-22/story/lutheran_denomination_opens_ministry_to_priests_in_openly_gay_relationsh
Lutheran denomination opens ministry to priests in openly gay relationships - Florida-Times Union