The U.S.’ largest Lutheran denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, lifted a ban on noncelibate gay clergy Aug. 21.
The decision follows a recent similar move by the Episcopal Church.
ELCA gay and lesbian pastors now will be allowed to have sex in the confines of a “lifelong, monogamous … relationship,” church leaders decided at their Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis.
About 4.6 million Americans belong to the ELCA.
By Rex Wockner
