The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports on today’s decision by the Lutheran Church in America to bless same-sex unions after a vote by delegates at the Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis.

The change in the Evangelical Lutheran Church does not require pastors or congregations to bless same-sex unions, but allows those comfortable with it to do so. Gay pastors can serve in Lutheran churches, but only if they are celibate. A coalition of churches known as Lutheran CORE opposed the affirmation of gay unions and pastors.

The Rev. Brad Schmeling of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Druid Hills, a gay man in a committed relationship, has been a key activist in the campaign to change church polity. Schmeling was removed from the list of approved Lutheran pastors in 2007. St. John’s kept him as minister and the denomination has not taken action against the church.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church has about 4.7 million members in 10,000 congregations. It is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. More conservative Lutheran denominations, such as the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, still do not approve same-sex unions or gay relationships. The debate about full inclusion of gay members in the life of churches has been a hot one in U.S. Protestant denominations for more than a decade. The United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church accept gay ministers. The acceptance, in part, caused more conservative congregations in the Episcopal Church to leave the denomination.

Once again leaders of faith support the right of individuals to marry whomever they love, it’s time for states to allow Lutheran Churches to exercise their freedom of religion.