Chicago, Ill., Aug 15, 2007 / 08:41 am
The nation's largest Lutheran denomination passed a measure on Saturday calling on church leaders to "refrain from or demonstrate restraint" in disciplining gay clergy in committed relationships, reported the Chicago Sun Times.
The vote, which passed 538-431, is being viewed as an historic shift on homosexuality within the 4.8-million member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The measure was spearheaded by Bishop Paul Landahl of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, who already welcomes gay clergy in committed relationships. However, other bishops across the country have been removed from clergy rosters.
Presiding ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson said the vote does not change the denomination's official policies but simply allows bishops greater discretion.