A regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church voted Saturday to ordain
Scott Anderson, a gay man from Madison, Wis.

The John Knox Presbytery's 81-25 decision is likely to be challenged by opponents across the country, according to the La Crosse Tribune. The presbytery, or regional grouping of Presbyterian churches, represents 61 churches and 10,000 members in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Anderson, 54, has been in a committed relationship for 19 years, according to the article. For seven years he has been the executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, which advocates for unity among different Christian denominations.

The church requires that married candidates for ordination take a vow of fidelity. Gay and straight single candidates must take a vow of chastity. However, the church does make some exceptions.

His ordination is set for May 15, but may be delayed due to expected appeals from churches like the Caledonia Presbyterian Church near Portage, Wis.

Anderson was a pastor at a church in Sacramento but was outed in 1990. He then voluntarily gave up his ordination.