St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Charleston has blocked out the word "Lutheran" on the large sign in front of its building as its members grapple with a vote opening the pulpit to gays and lesbians.
The Rev. Richard Mahan says members of the congregation spent part of Sunday discussing whether they should leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the nation's largest Lutheran group.
Last week, delegates to ELCA's national assembly voted to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy.
Mahan attended the assembly and voted against the decision. He says it contradicts the historic teachings of Christianity.
No decision has been made on the congregation's future with ELCA.
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