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The Honor of Being First
Abstract: Who was the first pastor of an ELCA congregation to officiate at the state-sanctioned marriage of a same-sex couple in California? We think we know.
We believe the honor for first pastor of an ELCA congregation to officiate at a same-sex wedding sanctioned under California law should go to Pr. Dan Hooper of Hollywood Lutheran.
On June 17, the first day communities in California could issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the City of West Hollywood staged a marriage festival with six decorated pavilions where wedding ceremonies could be held just outside the city auditorium. Tents were also provided for couples inquiring about marriage licenses, for media people, and for those officiating at weddings.
With another pastoral colleague, Pr. Hooper spent much of the day providing a musical accompaniment on hand bells and giving interviews.
Near the end of the day, however, Pr. Hooper was approached by two young women who, having been raised Roman Catholic, wanted a Christian minister to officiate. Read the whole story on the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) blog.
