More than 200 Presbyterian congregations nationwide - including nine in Sacramento - have been torn asunder over the Presbyterian Church USA's new rules and the ordination of its first gay minister, who is a former Sacramento pastor. The rift has result in lawsuits, sold churches, broken friendships and scattered congregations.
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The choir sings during the morning service at Fremont Presbyterian Church on March 17, 2013 in Sacramento, Calif. While hundreds of of Presbyterian congregations nationwide - including more than half a dozen in Sacramento - have been torn apart over the ordination of gay clergy, Fremont Presbyterian Church is thought to be the only one in the nation to accommodate both sides. Since January 1st, both the nearly 1,000 "traditionalists" who are opposed to gay clergy and 120 "progressives" who support the Presbyterian Church USA's decision t allow gay clergy share the $9 million church at 5770 Carlson Drive.
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Fremont Presbyterian Church member Melanie Andrews sings during the modern service on March 17, 2013 in Sacramento. While hundreds of of Presbyterian congregations nationwide - including more than half a dozen in Sacramento - have been torn apart over the ordination of gay clergy, Fremont Presbyterian Church is thought to be the only one in the nation to accommodate both sides. Since January 1st, both the nearly 1,000 "traditionalists" who are opposed to gay clergy and 120 "progressives" who support the Presbyterian Church USA's decision to allow gay clergy share the $9 million church at 5770 Carlson Drive.
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A band plays during the modern service at Fremont Presbyterian Church on March 17, 2013 in Sacramento, Calif. While hundreds of of Presbyterian congregations nationwide - including more than half a dozen in Sacramento - have been torn apart over the ordination of gay clergy, Fremont Presbyterian Church is thought to be the only one in the nation to accommodate both sides. Since January 1st, both the nearly 1,000 "traditionalists" who are opposed to gay clergy and 120 "progressives" who support the Presbyterian Church USA's decision t allow gay clergy share the $9 million church at 5770 Carlson Drive.
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Elnora Bradish leads members of the University Presbyterian Fellowship in worship and prayer i the chapel of the Fremont Presbyterian Church on March 17, 2013 in Sacramento, Calif.
