The debate among Presbyterians is to be followed this fall by similar discussions in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, whose task force on sexuality is drawing on much of the same material and experts as the Presbyterians did.

An Episcopal Church committee drew fire this year by suggesting that homosexuals could be ordained at the discretion of their local bishop. Episcopal Bishop William Frey, formerly of Denver, then countered by proposing a new canon that clergy should be prohibited from having sex outside marriage.

Church leaders who favor adopting more liberal views of sexuality argue that it is the only way to lure people back to church. Ongoing research for the Presbyterian Church shows that, among confirmed members who leave, singles are among the least likely to return. The Rev. Karen Bloomquist, an executive with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, cited a quiet exodus of men and women who have given up on the church largely because of sexual taboos.