A follow-up to our earlier post (link):
"In an indication of the deep split over homosexuality in the church, which with five million members is the nation's largest Lutheran denomination, the vote on gay clergy members at the church's assembly in Orlando, Fla., divided almost evenly, with 49 percent in favor to 51 percent opposed. To pass, the measure required a two-thirds majority.
...A resolution to remain unified despite deep differences over homosexuality was approved by a vote of 851 to 127.
...During the Lutherans' debate in Orlando, the Rev. Robert Driesen, a voting member from the Upper Susquehanna synod in Pennsylvania warned that if Lutherans moved in the same direction as the Episcopalians, the repercussions would be felt worldwide. The Lutheran World Federation includes 138 member churches in 77 countries.
'We would separate ourselves not only from these communions but from much of historic Christianity,' Mr. Driesen said. 'Should we take the same action, we can expect fractures.'"
Link.
