Local Congregation Votes In Gay Associate Pastor

The congregation of one of the largest Lutheran churches in Berks County, Pennsylvania has voted to name a woman who is in a same-sex marriage to serve as its associate pastor.

The Reading Eagle  reports that 27-year-old Julie Recher received more than the required two-thirds majority Sunday from members of Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing.

The Rev. Richard Summy called her "a qualified, outstanding person.''

Recher said she was excited by the opportunity to serve at the church.

She said "I feel like this is where God was calling me the whole time.''

She also said she hopes the church "can still be a place where people feel welcome.''

Atonement Lutheran Church is 104 years old and has about 1,700 members

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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