The nation’s largest Lutheran body, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or ELCA, took another step Sunday toward claiming a major place at the forefront of faiths heeding the call to inclusivity and openness to all.  What took place in San Francisco is a direct result of the actions taken a year ago to allow gay and lesbian pastors to serve regardless of whether they are celibate.  The action was taken in a special “rite of reception.” Several others are expected this fall in Chicago and Minneapolis.
At the Lutheran convention in …