Prospect of gay Lutheran bishop divides Germans

By Madeline Chambers

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany could elect its first openly gay Lutheran bishop next month, a move conservatives say would alienate many Christians and open divisions in the Church.

The July 12 election brings to Germany the question of gay clergy and same-sex unions which has caused rifts in several countries and faiths, including the Anglican community.

Horst Gorski, a senior cleric from Hamburg, is standing for the post of bishop of Schleswig in northern Germany against Gerhard Ulrich, a senior cleric from the Schleswig area. The incumbent bishop is retiring in September.

Gorski is a widely respected theologian and he helped set up a centre for gay and lesbian Lutheran pastors.

His open homosexuality angers some Lutheran conservatives who argue his election as bishop would leave many Christians with no spiritual home.

"Many members of the community would have little understanding for a bishop with this kind of lifestyle," Ulrich Ruess, a pastor in the northern city of Hamburg, was quoted as telling Die Welt newspaper.

Others have been quoted as saying Gorski's appointment would damage the standing and weight of the Lutheran Church, founded by German Martin Luther in the 16th century and now one of the largest Protestant denominations.

The election committee is standing by its choice of candidates.