African American Lutheran Association

AALA

The African American Lutheran Association, are people of God, rooted in the Gospel and redeemed by Jesus Christ. AALA members are committed to living out their faith by expressing love for one another and affirming ourselves and our cultural heritage as gifts to the church.

AALA functions as a facilitator rather than a service provider – making use of networking opportunities to link valuable human resources within the church community. A major goal of AALA is to create a network of key African American leaders across the ELCA to develop and share model programs that will have positive effects in communities worldwide.

Through its chapters and biennial assemblies, AALA promotes and develops important linkages, builds regional support, identifies social problems, focuses on economic and political issues, develops related strategies, and provides fellowship and sharing opportunities. AALA also provides a forum for theological reflections for clergy and lay members.

AALA also serves as an information resource for its members and strives to develop leaders in the African American community to become involved in the mainstream of ELCA life.

AALA is committed to an aggressive program designed to empower its members to be better able to successfully address and resolve issues that impact the African American Lutheran community.

AALA is committed to assisting the ELCA in fulfilling its stated purpose to “Carry out Christ’s Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ…” AALA pledges to work in partnership with the ELCA Multicultural Ministry Unit in its efforts to assist the church reach the goal of full partnership and participation of African & African American and others of the African descent.

And lastly, with God’s help, AALA is committed to faithfully serve the African American Community within the ELCA and to provide its members with a recognized forum to officially communicate with all expressions of the church.