The most divisive issue in American Protestantism will move to the forefront again this week.

The Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will take a key vote on what role gays should have in the denomination.

About 1,000 church members will meet beginning Monday in Orlando. They'll decide whether to ordain gays who are not celibate and whether to bless same-sex unions.

A split isn't imminent.

Conservative Lutherans have planned a November meeting to consider forming an association of like-minded churches -- but within the ELCA.
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