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.

The second decision concerned what 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 Hooper 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.

Hollywood Lutheran Church was founded in 1921. A member congregation of the Reconciling in Christ program of Lutherans Concerned/North America, the congregation adopted a resolution nearly a decade ago to welcome and fully include gay/lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in its activities and ministries. In 2002 the governing Council of the congregation adopted a policy to permit blessing or covenant ceremonies for same-sex couples in its sanctuary.   Hollywood Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a Christian body of approximately 5 million members in over 10,000 congregations in the United States.