Organizers of a mainline Protestantchurch gathering say they are planning to move their 2017 convention from Indianapolis due toa hotly contested newReligious Freedom Restoration Act.

Last week, leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which is based in Indianapolis, wrote Gov. Mike Pence (R) urginghim to veto the proposal. The Disciples of Christ oncesupporteda 22-year-old federal Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, though the specifics of Indianas law have become divisive.

Indianas new lawwould prohibit the government from substantially burdening a persons exercise of religion, unless it can demonstrate that the burden hasa compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. Supporters say Indianasmeasure supports religious libertywhile opponents fear it could open up grounds for people to decline services for same-sex weddings.

Church leaders say have agreedto movetheir 6,000-person General Assembly because of concerns that some members might experience legally sanctioned bias and rejection once so common on the basis of race.The move reflectsa larger push in the state and across the nation to use business to pressure state leaders on the issue.

The church has not yet decided on a new venue for the 2017 convention.

As a Christian church, we are particularly sensitive to the values of the One we follow one who sat at (the) table with people from all walks of life, and loved them all, theletterstates. Our church is diverse in point of view, but we share a value for an open Lords Table.

All eyes are on Indiana after Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed a controversial religious freedom bill into law. The Posts Sarah Pulliam Bailey explains what's in the law and why there's so much opposition to it. (Pamela Kirkland/The Washington Post)

On Tuesday, Pence urgedurged state lawmakers to pass legislation making it clear that this law does not give businesses the right to deny services to anyone.

The Disciples of Christ, whichhad about600,000 membersin 2009, has held its annual convention in Indianapolis three times since 1989, according to the Indianapolis Star. Todd Adams, the associate general minister and vice president of the denomination, told theStarhe expects up to 8,000 people to attend its convention in 2017, which could have an estimated economic impact on the city of about $5.9 million.

[Religious liberty or discrimination? Read the text of Indianas religious freedom law]

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Indiana will lose Disciples of Christ convention over religious freedom law