Congregation Still Opposes Proposition 8!

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.

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 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.

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.