A move to ordain a gay, married minister has the entire congregation of a Newmarket church bracing for a battle. 

On Friday, Lionel Ketola (pictured) will become Associate Pastor of the Holy Cross church, defying the rules of the Lutheran church, which say ministers cannot be self-declared and practicing homosexuals. 

Holy Cross Pastor Dawn Hutchings, who has been serving a congregation of more than 200 for nine years, thinks the move is a positive one.

"We feel strongly that this is the right thing to do. It's about fairness. It's about justice.

"I'm elated. I've worked with Lionel for a number of years and as Pastor of this congregation, I think that this is a marvelous development.

"For generations, people who are gay or lesbian and want a place in the church have had to remain silent about their orientation."

The ceremony will take place at the United Church in Newmarket because the Holy Cross is too small. Pastor Hutchings says she's received widespread support.

"We're all in agreement with her. I'm a member of council, and we made sure to include everyone in this decision," said congregation member Jeremy Heinze.  "He is loved by all of the congregation, and we've all become really close to him and his husband Steve."

Not everyone loves the idea, however. Bishop Michael J. Pryse warned that there could be serious consequences if they go ahead with the move.

"I think the congregation is making a mistake here," said Pryse.  "This would be the most serious, and I hope we don't have to go down this road, but it would be actually expulsion from the church."