11.   Beyond the recession, that denomination is losing money because of a fierce debate over whether to repeal a ban on gay clergy.

12.   But liberals within the church say the ban on gay clergy unfairly excludes gays and lesbians from reaching the upper echelons of local church leadership.

13.   That appeared to remove the last obstacle to U.S. dioceses that ordain actively gay clergy and allow blessing rituals for same-sex couples.

14.   While acceptance of gays, including in the military, is commonplace in Norway, the issue of gay clergy has caused anguished debate in the state Lutheran Church.