Mexican Presbyterians Say "Adios" to U.S. Denom

The theologically conservative National Presbyterian Church of Mexico has voted to sever ties with the Presbyterian Church (USA) over a disagreement about gay ministers.

Despite a 139-year history and a network of social service ministries spanning the U.S.-Mexican border, the Mexican denomination made the decision to stop working with the U.S. church because of the latter's May vote to allow the ordaination of same-sex clergy.

Leaders of the U.S. Presbyterian Church, which is based in Louisville, Ky., said Wednesday that the break has saddened them but they hope there will be a way both sides will be able to continue helping those along the border who are in need.

The vote in Mexico was announced just as a conservative branch of U.S. Presbyterians were meeting in Minnesota to debate whether they should make a similar break with the Louisville-based denomination.