ELCA approves gay clergy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - One of the largest Christian denominations in the entire country is now allowing sexually active gays and lesbians to serve openly as clergy.

Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church made the decision at their annual meeting in Minneapolis last night. The measure passed with 68-percent approval.

At nearly five-million members and with about 10-thousand congregations in the United States, the ELCA is the nation's largest Lutheran church.

Whether or not individual churches actually want to hire gay ministers is still entirely up to them. Critics of the decision say it will drive members from the church.