Longview, TX — Members of the First Presbyterian Church of Longview will vote Sunday on whether to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church of the USA — a vote considered by many to be a referendum on homosexuality within the church.

The debate over gay clergy and efforts by local church leaders to leave the denomination has created a widening rift among the members.

“There has never been a vote like this here,” said Pastor Jonathan Jehorek.

Jehorek said he relinquished his ordination to the Presbyterian Church of the USA effective May 21. Likewise, he supports the local congregation seeking dismissal from the denomination.

Read more here from the Longview News-Journal.