HUNTINGTON, Ind.—A judge has upheld a vote by a northeastern Indiana congregation to leave the United Church of Christ over the denomination’s recognition of gay marriage.

Special Judge David L. Hanselman Sr. denied the denomination’s claim on the assets of the church and dissolved a temporary restraining order July 19 that had prevented St. Peter’s First United Church of Christ in Huntington from leaving the United Church of Christ.

The restraining order had been in place since October 2005, following a 115-92 vote the month before by members of the congregation to leave the denomination. The congregation, now known as St. Peter’s First Church, had about 500 members at the time.

The UCC's 25th Synod in July 2005 passed a resolution in support of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.

St. Peter’s has existed as a church in Huntington for 150 years. It had joined the United Church of Christ 50 years ago.