MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A new Lutheran denomination is being formed for congregations opposed to the homosexual-friendly policy of the EvangelicalLutheranChurch in America.

Last August, the ELCA national assembly voted to allow pastors in committed same-sex relationships. Opponents say the new policy contradicts scripture, and have announced plans to establish the North American Lutheran Church, a new denomination that will recruit dissident congregations.

Several hundred congregations are moving toward a permanent split with the ELCA, but so far that’s a small portion of the 10,000-church denomination.

Leaders of Lutheran CORE, an activist group that led opposition to the homosexual clergy policy, hope to have the North American Lutheran Church up and running by August.