OSLO, NORWAY  --  Norway's state Lutheran church on Friday lifted an outright ban on allowing those living in homosexual partnerships to serve in the clergy, but will leave it up to each bishop to make individual decisions on whether to employ them.

The compromise decision reflected the realization that the church may have to live with a deep split over the issue, AP reports.

The decision means that six of Norway's 11 bishops are likely to open the pulpit to gay clergy in partnerships. In a vote earlier in the year, those six bishops voted in favor of easing the ban.

Varying practices in 11 bishops' districts could trigger lawsuits on whether different employment practices in the same organization violate anti-discrimination and labor laws.

The church already allows gays to serve in the clergy as long as they are not living in a homosexual partnership.

The Church of Norway has nearly 85 percent of Norway's 4.7 million people as members.

Last update: 11-16-2007 15:35