For the first time, clergy in same-sex committed relationships can serve the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America without threat of discipline to them, their congregations or their bishops.

The historic decision, made Saturday at a national assembly at Navy Pier, was spearheaded by Bishop Paul Landahl of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod.

A day earlier, attendees voted down a measure that would have ended a ban on non-celibate gay clergy. But Saturday's vote calls on church leaders to "refrain from or demonstrate restraint" in disciplining those who violate the policy.

"It's a huge victory," said Jeremy Posadas, 26, a voting church member from Decatur, Ga. "The gospel of inclusion has won, and we're going to keep winning."

But the Rev. Mark Chavez, leader of Lutheran CORE, a group that says non-celibate gays shouldn't serve as pastors, called the decision tragic.

"This decision will be an excuse for bishops to disobey ELCA policy," he said. "This decision does not reflect the will of the people but of bishops and clergy who disregard God's word."

With 4.8-million members, the ELCA, headquartered in Chicago, is the nation largest Lutheran denomination. Since being formed 20 years ago by a merger of church groups, it has slowly shifted toward more acceptance of non-celibate gay clergy.