Lutherans gather to elect new bishop

The Journal News [NY, USA] reports The New York synod includes about 200 churches in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley and about 75,000 members - down 10,000 in the past decade. The synod faces many of the same challenges that hobble other mainline denominations, particularly disputes over theology and homosexuality, the need to improve ministries to the young and unchurched, and the weakening of many congregations from a gradual loss of membership.