Trinity Lutheran, Carrington ND, Leaves ELCA

CARRINGTON, N.D. – Trinity Lutheran Church in Carrington has voted to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Sunday’s vote, the second, passed 161-16, according to a note posted on the church’s door.

Calls to the church and pastor were not returned Monday. Many pastors take Mondays off after weekend services.

The Rev. William E. Rindy, bishop of the ELCA’s Eastern North Dakota Synod, confirmed Trinity’s decision to leave. He said the decision was a reaction to the 2009 churchwide assembly vote to allow people in committed same-sex relationships serve as clergy.

“It’s always sad when part of the family walks away from the table,” Rindy said, adding that he “wishes them God’s blessings.”

Rindy said Trinity is the sixth church in the synod to leave the ELCA since 2009.

from: http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/320882/group/homepage/