ELCA convention:

• Lutherans near decision on key gay issues | Seeking to resolve concerns that have divided other Protestant denominations, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Friday will vote on whether to allow same-sex unions and noncelibate gay clergy (The Miami Herald)
• More inclusive prayer book, hymnal is applauded by Lutheran assembly | It will offer alternatives such as "Holy Eternal Majesty, Holy Incarnate Word, Holy Abiding Spirit" for the male-dominated Trinitarian image of "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" in prayers during Sunday services (The Plain Dealer, Cleveland)
• ELCA: Hymnal attracts the most attention | There was a comparative lack of fireworks over three resolutions on sexuality because they were merely introduced, without comment, to the assembly (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
• Lutherans to vote on policy about gays | With a critical vote on the role of gays in the church just days away, Lutheran leaders told a national assembly that deep disagreement over what the Bible says about homosexuality need not split their denomination (Associated Press)
• ELCA's debate runs deep | Scripture, tradition inform sexuality proposals (Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.)
• Lutherans debate policy on gay couples | In a convention meeting room filled to capacity, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America debated what direction their denomination should take in the struggle over ordaining gays and blessing same-sex couples (Associated Press)
• Church eyes immigration reform | The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America is expected to adopt a resolution this week promising to work for immigration reforms in the United States, becoming the latest religious denomination to boost its efforts to advocate for immigrants and refugees (The Washington Times)