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Also from the article: But it has declared that gay men and lesbians are "persons of sacred worth" and has repeatedly said there are no bars to their participation as lay people.

That's the crux of the split. There are many who disagree with that intepretation. As long as the denominational officials hold to that interpretation, the congregation is either bound to it - or, more likely, the church body there will choose to leave the denomination. (remember the Episcopals.)

As for my personal interpretation - the first step is recognizing sin as sin. If the fellow would at least agree that his homosexual lifestyle is just as sinful as my gluttony, or that guy's workaholism, or the tax cheat in the next pew, I would welcome him, whether or not I felt he was abstaining. We all stumble - but to encourage each other to stand back up, we must know which way is 'up'. If he wishes to teach that it is NOT sinful, then I would have to also discourage his membership.

...or that guy's workaholism...

Stretching a little, aren't you? Homosexual behavior is an open sin. When confronted with the opportunity to disavow that behavior, he refused, and gave up his rights to be part of the body. They did not ask him to leave, they just did not recognize him since he was/is unrepentent...

I don't know who cheats on taxes, or who has athyroid conditions. My sister is 5'0' and weighed 206 pounds, until the docs stapled her stomach, and offered her some pharmaceuticals. She had it done 7 years ago. She now weighs 125-130... and eats like a bird... which she did, before the surgery.