A church that was established in downtown Minneapolis more than a century ago is expelled by its denomination.
The Evangelical Covenant Church voted Friday during its annual meeting in Omaha, Neb. to oust Reverand Dan Collison and his First Covenant Church because of a conflict over LBGT inclusion.
“I grieve the loss of First Covenant Church of Minneapolis from the roster of Covenant churches,” said ECC president John Wenrich in a statement. “At the same time, I respect the discernment of the Annual Meeting. I hope this historic church someday changes its mind and then returns to our family.”
The Minneapolis church also posted that Rev. Collison had his credentials removed by a 77% vote, adding that Collison will remain as the church's lead pastor.
First Covenant is a founding member of the denomination, its building adjacent to Hennepin County Medical Center dating back to the 1800's.
Records show this is the first time the ECC has ever expelled a member church and its pastor.
