Evangelical Lutheran Church elects first openly gay bishop

A North Hollywood theology professor ordained just two years ago after the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America dropped its ban on same-sex ministers was elected Friday as the church's first openly gay bishop.


The Rev. R. Guy Erwin won a six-year term to the Southwest California Synod, which encompasses the greater Los Angeles area, according to church officials.

The historic vote came Friday during a three-day assembly of the synod held in Woodland Hills.

FOR THE RECORD:
Lutheran bishop: An article in the June 1, 2013, LATextra section about the election of an openly gay bishop in Southern California incorrectly described the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as the largest denomination in the United States. It is the largest Lutheran denomination in the U.S. It also said the bishop-elect, the Rev. R. Guy Erwin, is a North Hollywood theology professor. He is a resident of Woodland Hills.