Hollywood Lutheran Church
We are a Sanctuary
From time to time, churches also serve as a refuge or sanctuary for illegal immigrants, for runaways and for the hungry and homeless. Battered wives have fled to the church as a place of safety, hiding and understanding. After natural disasters, many people who have been displaced by fire or flood have come to churches seeking help and temporary shelter. Hollywood Lutheran Church is a sanctuaryThe idea of “sanctuary” is an ancient one. A sanctuary is not only a sacred space where we can pray to God, but a safe space from the anxieties, terrors and violence of the world around us. 
. . . for Sexual Minorities We embrace those who have suffered criticism, condemnation, rejection, or “outing” of their sexual orientation or gender identity. For more than a dozen years, Hollywood Lutheran Church has publicly declared its welcome and support for lesbian and gay, bisexual and transgender people. It is also part of a national “Reconciling in Christ” movement to identify welcoming and safe congregations for LGBTQ Christians. Your life, your gender expression and your love relationship is safe here. Your life experiences will be honored here. . . . for People Living with HIV or AIDS Since the start of the AIDS epidemic 30 years ago, people of faith have stood beside the sick and those living with HIV and AIDS. We have also stood against prejudice, hatred and misunderstanding. In 2008, Hollywood Lutheran Church launched Hollywood Remembers, Inc., a separate organization for AIDS awareness, advocacy, assistance and to remember those whom we have loved and lost to this disease. . . . for People of Color, and for Everybody Else Hollywood Lutheran Church does not tolerate racism, xenophobia or prejudice, including sexism, ageism, gender discrimination or prejudice against people with physical challenges or disabilities. . . . for Inmates and Parolees While many people want to lock up all criminals “and throw the key away,” there is great need for support, understanding and restorative justice on both sides of the prison gates. Our church began to serve the needs of inmates in California prisons in 2009 with the Mariposa Ministry, and we learned that some in our own church community had a RAP sheet or a prison record. Whether on parole or behind bars, we believe that nothing stops God’s love! So it doesn’t stop us from caring about inmates and parolees. 
. . . for People in Recovery
We welcome and respect those who are looking for safety and need anonymity as they find their own spiritual path back from alcohol, substance abuse or other addictions. For more than fifty years, Hollywood has been home to 12-Step meetings, and now hosts 15 groups each week. Many of our church members are in recovery, and will help and applaud your steps on the road back. 
All people are created in God’s image, according to the book of Genesis. Humanity was created male and female, black and white and every shade of color. As Christ’s body in the world, we are strengthened by the faith and gifts of every kind of human being. 
People are God’s Sanctuary!
Christians don’t just sit in a Sanctuary to pray! The purpose of the Christian Church and Christian life should be to enlarge the Sanctuary of God’s love and compassion—and to become a living sanctuary of people committed to mercy, safety, healing and wholeness.
There is no place in our church for judgmentalism, rejection, hatred, fear or prejudice. The Christ we know in faith— who gave up his life for our sake and took away the sins of the world—is a Lord who seeks the lost, upholds the weak, feeds those who hunger and thirst, and reveals the light of God to anyone who struggles with darkness.
