San Bernardino, Calif. ? An urban ministry that aids the poor and homeless had its official recognition removed by Lutheran church officials in a dispute over an associate pastor who is in a lesbian relationship.

The decision by the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which oversees congregations in parts of Southern California, marks the most severe punishment of a Lutheran congregation over the issue of homosexual clergy in more than a decade.

“We thought those days were over,” Pastor David Kalke, who leads the Central City Lutheran Mission, told the Los Angeles Times. “It appears conservatism has raised its ugly head here in Southern California, much to our surprise.”

Kalke said he intended to lead Central City as an independent Lutheran congregation.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America allows gay clergy only if they are celibate. Thirteen congregations with openly gay pastors have received milder punishments.

Pacifica Synod Bishop Murray Finck said the Central City mission violated the church’s constitution when it installed Pastor Jenny Mason in April because Mason was not on the church’s official roster of recognized pastors. He said the Oct. 29 decision had nothing to do with Mason’s sexual orientation but also said Mason was not on the roster because she was gay and not celibate.