KSAX.com - Five More Churches in Greater Minnesota Leave E.L.C.A. Over Homosexual Controversy

KSAX.com - Five More Churches in Greater Minnesota Leave E.L.C.A. Over Homosexual Controversy

Five More Churches in Greater Minnesota Leave E.L.C.A. Over Homosexual Controversy

MENAHGA, Minn- Five more churches have left the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Church members at the First English Lutheran Church said the E.L.C.A.'s policy on homosexuals caused a rift between the E.L.C.A. and several local churches.

"We're just having a hard time seeing them as leaders of the church," Church Council member Marie Henstorf said. "Homosexuals are still welcome we just aren't certain about having them as leaders."

The First English Lutheran Church in Menahga along with First Lutheran Church of Roseau, Folden Lutheran Church of rural Vining, Faith Lutheran Church of Mentor, and Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church of Badger left the Northwestern Minnesota Synod which is part of the E.L.C.A.

According to the NMS, 15 churches (roughly five percent) in total have left the organization. Church councils are required to vote twice on separate occasions before they can part from the nationwide church.

THE E.L.C.A. supports homosexuals and allows them to be church members and leaders.

Written for the web by Brian Collins.bcollins@ksax.com