Clarence E. Anderson entered the Church Triumphant on June 24, 2001. Clarence was a long-time member of St. Matthew’s, Glendale while also being a strong supporter of St. Matthew’s, North Hollywood. A gay man, Clarence had felt the sting of exclusion, prejudice and condemnation throughout his life. Thanks to the ministries of Bp. J. Roger Anderson and Pr. Dwight Johnson, Clarence was brought back into the church via the work of Lutherans Concerned – Los Angeles.

 

Clarence lived a simple life of quiet generosity while amassing a substantial fortune throughout his life. At the time of his passing, Clarence left nearly the entirety of his estate to a variety of Lutheran congregations and agencies as well as organizations committed to the struggle for the full-inclusion of gay and lesbian persons within the church and the society at large. In honor of Clarence’ commitment to the work of peace and justice, the Synod Council of theSouthwest California Synod of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America, in conjunction with Lutherans Concerned – Los Angeles, created “The Clarence E. Anderson Peace and Justice Award”

 

RECIPIENTS

 

Recipients of the award have shown, through word and deed, a commitment to striving for peace and justice in church and society, especially as related to the full-inclusion of sexual minorities.

 

The 2013 Clarence Anderson Peace and Justice Award recipients were Agnes McClain, an Associate in Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Malcolm Boyd, an Episcopal priest, author and civil rights activist.

 

The 2012 Clarence Anderson Peace and Justice Award recipient was Bishop Dean Nelson.

 

The 2011 Clarence Anderson Peace and Justice Award recipients were Bishop Emeritus Paul Egertson and Mrs. Shirley Egertson.