RICHMOND, Calif.—A Presbyterian deacon who has twice been denied ordination because of her sexual orientation can move forward with her bid to join the clergy.

The regional body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted 167-151 Jan. 15 in support of Lisa Larges’ application, despite the denomination’s long-standing ban on openly gay ministers. Larges, 44, still must submit to an interview with the regional body as soon as April, church officials said.

Larges said after the vote that she was proud of the church members’ decision, despite the heavy opposition.

“The church is a beautiful, messy thing,” she said.

While the meeting represented a third try for Larges, it was thought to be the first test of a policy adopted by the Presbyterian national assembly giving local presbyteries the right to ordain candidates who declare conscientious objections to specific church teachings.

The constitution of the church says only members in traditional man-woman marriages or who are sexually abstinent may serve as clergy, elders and deacons. Larges has submitted a statement to the Presbytery of San Francisco declaring her disagreement with that policy, calling it a “mar upon the church and a stumbling block to its mission.”