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The ELCA was created in 1987 after a very complex set of mergers that brought together most of the nation's Lutherans. They came primarily from German and Scandinavian immigrant stock. Two conservative bodies, The [[Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]] and the [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]] did not join.
The ELCA was created in 1987 after a very complex set of mergers that brought together most of the nation's Lutherans. They came primarily from German and Scandinavian immigrant stock. Two conservative bodies, The [[Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]] and the [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]] did not join.
Though aware that some same-sex couples receive blessings from pastors and that some openly gay or lesbian pastors are ordained, delegates to the biennial assembly of the ELCA in 2005 declined to authorize either practice, even on a provisional basis. The vote to allow gay and lesbian pastors fell far short of the two-thirds majority required for a policy change--490 yes votes to 503 no votes.<ref> John Dart, "ELCA Says No to Gay Pastors, Blessings." [http://www.questia.com/read/5011048993?title=ELCA%20Says%20No%20to%20Gay%20Pastors%2c%20Blessings ''The Christian Century'' September 6, 2005 online]</ref>