The Minneapolis Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted on Friday to oppose the anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment slated for the ballot in Minnesota on Nov. 6. The synod is one of the largest in the country representing 160 churches and about 190,000 baptized members.

The resolution passed on Friday on a majority vote of the 700 members in attendance. It stated, “Resolved, that the Minneapolis Area Synod meeting in assembly oppose the Minnesota state constitutional amendment on marriage proposed for the 2012 general ballot that would prevent one group of committed couples and their families from pursuing ordinary legislative or legal means to gain the support and protections afforded to all other(s).”

KSTP reported on the vote this weekend:

St. Paul’s synod will vote on the issue in May and the other four may or may not take up the issue this year.

Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lutherans Concerned said, “The very idea that the civil rights of a minority in our society can be put to a popular vote is a tremendously important issue for America, our society, and every citizen in Minnesota. It is right that the church voice an opinion based on its social statement and bound conscience to support civil rights, to support and care for same-gender couples and their families, and to advocate for their legal protection. The proposed constitutional amendment does none of that. In fact, the amendment would limit our families to a second class status. We thank the members of the Minneapolis Synod for saying “no” to discrimination, and “yes” to equality. Once again, today, I am proud to be a Lutheran.”

Minnesotans United for All Families, the primary group working to defeat the amendment, hailed the decision:

“This is a historic moment for Minnesota. This vote by the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA marks the first time that a major body of Lutherans has taken a public stance on this amendment. We are overjoyed to welcome the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA to our growing grassroots movement to stop this amendment from constitutionally excluding same-sex couples from marriage. Minnesotans of all faiths, backgrounds and creeds stand united in knowing that marriage is about love and commitment, bettering our community, raising a family and sharing a life together, and Minnesotans will defeat this amendment in November.”