Changes

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> In 2007 the Churchwide Assembly voted not to overturn the denomination's rules that bar the ordination of noncelibate homosexual clergy.  

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> In 2007 the Churchwide Assembly voted not to overturn the denomination's rules that bar the ordination of noncelibate homosexual clergy.  

==Further reading==

==Further reading==