Presbyterians opposed to ordaining gay clergy have split from Presbyterian Church (USA) to form a new denomination called the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians. One of the founding ministers, John Ortberg of Menlo Park, explained that “the problem is people are going to hell.” It’s unclear how many congregations will join the new splinter group, but they will be able to retain membership in both orders if they wish. In addition to the Presbyterian Church, the Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America all ordain gay clergy.
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