'Faith should be centered on unity and justice, not division,' said HRC's Harry Knox.

WASHINGTON - Today's vote by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to keep discriminatory restrictions on gay clergy is saddening but the fight will go on, says the Human Rights Campaign.

"Faith should be centered on unity and justice, not division," said Harry Knox, HRC's religion and faith program director. "Today's vote is saddening to the many fair-minded followers of the church. But it's only a matter of time until the church realizes that keeping one group of followers separate from another does nothing to serve the greater good."

Knox continued, "That the ELCA is having this discussion is positive, but it's even more important that the church continue this dialogue. As the ELCA continues to wrestle with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues in the church, we support our colleagues at Goodsoil in their continued calls for full justice."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.