Eds: APNewsNow. EDITS throughout to show group wants to lead formation of an alternate Lutheran umbrella group, but hopes to keep its own existing group within ELCA. Will be led.

AP Photos staffing By PATRICK CONDON Associated Press Writer NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. (AP) A decision by the country's largest Lutheran denomination to allow gay pastors to serve as clergy is leading an opposition group to try to form an alternate Lutheran church body.

Leaders of Lutheran CORE say at a news conference in a Minneapolis suburb that they disagree with this August's decision on gay pastors by Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They say they have heard from congregations and church-goers from around the country who feel the same way.

Lutheran CORE is a group within ELCA that has opposed letting gay pastors serve. They say it contradicts Scripture.

The group's leaders say they don't know how many ELCA congregations might join the new church body. They hope to have it begun by August.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-18-09 1507CST | save this article / add to your favorites list