Source: Reuters, Associated Press via MSNBC
BERLIN (Reuters) - An openly gay Lutheran cleric is one of two candidates for the post of bishop of Schleswig in northern Germany, Reuters reports.

Horst Gorski, a senior cleric from Hamburg, is described by Reuters as a widely respected theologian who helped set up a center for gay and lesbian Lutheran pastors, but his open homosexuality angers some Lutheran conservatives who argue his election as bishop would leave many Christians with no spiritual home.

Gorski is one of two candidates for the post along with Gerhard Ulrich, a senior cleric from the Schleswig area. The incumbent bishop is retiring in September.

The July 12 election brings to Germany the question of gay clergy and same-sex unions which has caused rifts in several countries and faiths, including the Anglican community.

"Many members of the community would have little understanding for a bishop with this kind of lifestyle," Ulrich Ruess, a pastor in the northern city of Hamburg, was quoted as telling Die Welt newspaper.

Reuters reports that others have been quoted as saying Gorski's appointment would damage the standing and weight of the Lutheran Church, founded by German Martin Luther in the 16th century and now one of the largest Protestant denominations.

But the committee that chose the two candidates is standing by their choices.

Election committee member Bishop Maria Jepsen, the world's first woman Lutheran bishop, said the group had "nominated two experienced provosts." She said the candidates "have excelled in their localities and in the region in a variety of ways."

Last year the largest US Lutheran body, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said it would allow homosexual clergy in sexual relationships to serve as pastors.

In Norway, where 85 percent of the country's 4.7 million people are registered as members of the state Lutheran Church of Norway, individual parishes are allowed to decide whether to accept clergymen living in gay partnerships under rules adopted last year.

A a bill authorizing same-sex marriage passed the Norway's upper house -- its final legislative hurdle -- on Tuesday. But that law also gives gives individual congregations and clergy the right to perform wedding ceremonies for gay couples, but avoids requiring them to do so.

Since the church is split on gay marriage, Associated Press reports, it is likely to allow each congregation to decide on whether to allow gay wedding ceremonies -- the same approach it took last year on gay clergy.

Full article: Prospect of gay Lutheran bishop divides Germans | Reuters
Norway passes law approving gay marriage | MSNBC (AP)