Congregation Still Opposes Proposition 8!

We are pleased with the thorough and impartial decision rendered in August 2010 by federal District Court Judge Caughn R. Walker in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case because this congregation has supported the right to civil marriage for same-gender couples since officially reviewing the issue in a congregational voters meeting in September 2008.

At the moment, we await the decision of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on whether the pro-Prop 8 forces will be given "standing" to bring an appeal.  If their application for standing is denied, we understand that their appeal is dead and that the lower court's Order to resume issuing same-gender marriage licenses would stand.  This decision will be made on or about December 6, 2010.

When the legal hurdles are cleared, Hollywood Lutheran Church will again make its Sanctuary and the pastoral services of its staff available to those gay and lesbian couples who have made the personal decision to enter into civil marriage.

Further general information on weddings is available at www.HollywoodWedding.org.

NOTE: Hollywod Lutheran's commitment to stopping Proposition 8 extends to post-election efforts to have this bad legislation invalidated or overturned. For much more information, headlines and links, please see: www.NoOn8Church.org.   Because of the August 2010 Walker decision and order, that web site has not yet been updated.

Hollywood Lutheran Church and It's Decision to Support Same-Gender Marriage

At a special congregational meeting in September 2008, the voting members of Hollywood Lutheran Church unanimously endorsed the No on 8 campaign, adding its public voice against the ballot measure that would eliminate marriage rights for same-sex couples.

The second decision concerned which stand the congregation would take. Specific information and a brief history behind Proposition 8 and the Marriage Equality efforts was presented. After lengthy discussion, a motion passed unanimously that Hollywood Lutheran Church is opposed to Proposition 8. Clarification of this decision included a discussion of its implications for the congregation’s public ministry. The Pastor, officers and Church Council of the congregation are authorized to publish this decision in all its regular publications, including bulletins, newsletters, and internet sites. Pastor Dan is specifically authorized to communicate today’s decisions, and to speak on behalf of the Hollywood Lutheran Church in opposition to Proposition 8. It was also specifically noted that no allocation of funds was involved in this decision.

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The congregation received and discussed information about all 12 measures on the November 2008 general election ballot, as well as information about taking positions on matters of public policy from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Office of Public Policy in Sacramento, and other faith and justice organizations. Today’s decision-making process was broken into two parts. The first decision was whether or not the congregation should take a position on Proposition 8. After a detailed explanation of what tax-exempt religious organizations may and may not do in matters of public policy, lobbying and endorsements, a motion passed unanimously that Hollywood Lutheran Church take a public stand on Proposition 8.