Article: A small Lutheran church finds itself between faith and dogma over its lesbian pastor.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ Believe this: The parishioners of tiny Abiding Peace Lutheran Church in Kansas City, North _ membership, 45 people _ didn't want to be at the center of a national church debate on sexuality. For five years all they've wanted is a full-time pastor, something they were just too small to afford.

Well, they finally have one. And that's where the trouble lies.

Last month, 35-year-old Donna Simon stood at Abiding Peace's altar and was ordained as its new minister. When that happened, Abiding Peace committed an act of flagrant "ecclesiastic disobedience." As a consequence, it could become the first Lutheran church in a decade to be suspended ...

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