From Pittsburgh-Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of Cleveland has been elected presiding bishop of the 4 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
On the fifth ballot she defeated 12-year incumbent Bishop Mark Hanson 600-287.
Both are considered centrists in a denomination that lost 500,000 members after a 2009 decision to permit partnered gay clergy.
She is the first female presiding bishop in the nation's largest Lutheran denomination.
The Episcopal Church, which is half the size of the ELCA, also has a woman as presiding bishop.
Bishop Eaton had been in third place, with just 87 votes, after the second ballot.
Bishop Eaton said she supported the decision to allow local option on partnered gay clergy, but that being an inclusive church meant respecting those who had a different understanding of scripture and doctrine.
"Those people also have voice in this church. We need to make room for those who do not agree with us, but agree with our claim upon the cross," she said.
Read more:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/lutherans-still-searching-for-a-presiding-bishop-699257/#ixzz2bzmjthAY
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