ELCA to debate 'social statement on human sexuality' today

A weeklong debate over gays in the clergy could heat up today as Lutherans meet in Minneapolis for their national convention.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the country's biggest Lutheran denomination. Leaders are considering a proposal to allow individual congregations to hire as clergy people in committed same-sex relationships.

That vote's not until Friday, but could get a preview today when convention delegates debate and vote on a broader "social statement on human sexuality." That's a 34-page document that attempts to create a theological framework allowing for disagreements within the denomination over homosexuality.