Date: Mon, 30 Jan 1995 12:10:42 -0500 From: Chris Hagin To: Multiple recipients of list GLB-NEWS Subject: Luthern minister in LA performs gay weddings COMPILED FROM WIRE SERVICE DISPATCHES Date: Sun, 29 Jan 1995 Minister Conducts Gay Weddings Contrary to Denomination's Edict LOS ANGELES -- A Luthern minister installed Sunday as bishop of 150 congregations said he performed three gay weddings despite the denominations's edict against such ceremonies. Paul Egertson, 59, said the same-sex rites he held at his North Hollywood church ``were done with dignity and reverence, not as publicity stunts to change people's minds.'' Egertson was installed as bishop in a ceremony held at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Granada Hills before 900 people. He will preside over 150 congregations in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties. Egertson said 10 other Lutheran pastors and four bishops in Southern California conduct wedding-like rites for homosexuals. He acknowledged the services violate the official position of the Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that there's no Biblical basis ``for the blessing of a homosexual relationship.'' But the bishops also praised pastors and congregations serving homosexuals for trying ``to explore the best ways to provide pastoral care.'' Egertson said, as bishop, he will handle the issue on a case-by-case basis. ``If the occasion arises, I'll have to make a decision on it,'' he said. Egertson's advocacy of allowing homosexuals in the Lutheran clergy was well-known when he was elected to a six-year term as bishop at a church assembly in November, So was his part-time role, since 1992, as pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in North Hollywood, which has welcomed gay and lesbian members since 1985. But it was not widely known that St. Matthew's had voted in 1990 to permit what it called ``holy union services'' for gay and lesbian couples. ``I hadn't heard that he had performed any (same-gender rites),'' said the Rev. Walter Mees Jr. of Pacific Palisades, who actively opposed ordaining gays or lesbians or blessing their unions. ``I disagree with him on this whole business, but I try to stay friendly and courteous,'' Mees said. S. CHRISTOPHER HAGIN | The Pledge of Allegance says: Atlanta 1996 | "With liberty and justice for ALL" chagin@mindspring.com | What part of ALL do you not understand? HATE IS NOT A FAMILY VALUE