Presbyterians Vote on
Gay Clergy

Two million Presbyterian followers are grappling for a third time in as many decades with whether to allow openly gay clergy in relationships to serve.

The Presbyterian Church has 10,000 congregations broken down into 173 presbyteries (regional groups of churches) across the country. According to the Contra Costa Times , of the 114 presbyteries that have voted so far, 73 have rejected the proposal.

However, 19 of the presbyteries that voted against the change in the previous vote now support including gay clergy. Several presbyteries in more liberal parts of the country have yet to cast their votes.

Currently, only Presbyterian clergy in heterosexual marriages may opt not to stay celibate.