WASHINGTON , Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Disputes over homosexuality are beginning to touch black churches as they have done for years in predominately white Protestant denominations.

"It's going to be a real challenge," said the Rev. Carlton W. Veazey, founder of the National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality. "We're just beginning to really deal with it."

The developing dispute divides a few black churches willing to welcome gays and black denominations that consider homosexuality a sin, The Washington Post (NYSE:WPO) reported Sunday.

Victory Church, a black church near Atlanta, lost 2,500 members -- half of its congregation -- after its pastor, the Rev. Kenneth L. Samuel, started preaching acceptance of gays several years ago.

The National Baptist Convention USA Inc., the country's largest predominately black denomination, bans clergy from officiating at ceremonies for same-sex couples, The Post reported.

Pentecostal denominations such as the Church of God in Christ consider homosexuality a sin, while the Progressive National Baptist Convention has not taken a stand on homosexuality or same-sex unions.