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Colorado Church Votes To Leave Denomination

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - The First Presbyterian Church in downtown Colorado Springs has voted to split from its denomination and align with a new, more conservative organization.

The vote ratifies a decision made by church leaders in January to leave the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), after the church voted in 2011 to allow openly gay ministers to be ordained.

Pastor Jim Singleton told members they should contact a pastor if they are disappointed or angered by the decision.

Of the nearly 1,800 church members, about 1,700 voted to dismiss the old church and switch to a more conservative denomination called the Evangelical Covenant Order Of Presbyterians.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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