What We Believe - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Our faith tradition is based on a life-transforming story. The ELCA’s story is both ancient and timely. It’s a story of a powerful and patient God who has boundless love for all people of the world, who brings justice for the oppressed. It’s a story of Jesus Christ, changing lives. It’s a story that brings comfort and strength to people who today live in modern, often unsettling times. Learn more about our beliefs—and become a part of our story.

Spotlight On...

Read the Bible

The Bible is one of the most often quoted books in our culture. But its meaning — and its significance to the Christian faith — is far more complex and profound. More

Book of Faith resources
Book of Faith social network

Read the Bible
Lead a Bible Study
Personal and Family Devotions
Study the Bible with Others
Bible Studies by Topic
Today's Bible Reading
Young People and the Bible

A Guide for Conversations about Race, Ethnicity and Culture

An exclusive ELCA Web resource, "A Guide to Leading Conversations on Race, Ethnicity, and Culture," is now available for download. The resource is designed to accompany the church's social statement, "Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture" and support congregations in their conversations about race.

Learn more | Download the study guide

"Luther Decade" Significant for All Lutherans

Lutherans kicked off the “Luther Decade,” a 10-year observance leading to the 500th anniversary of the start of the Lutheran Reformation in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany. LWF President and ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a Luther Garden and preached at the Castle Church. He said the decade offers opportunities for evangelism and theological conversation among Lutherans and ecumenical partners. More

The Trinity, Three in One: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

Dig Into Life's Big Questions

Go ahead – dig into the big questions of life! Dig Deeper is a good starting point for reflection and discussion of theological issues. You’ll find essays on selected topics related to our faith tradition, written by ELCA theologians and pastors. More

Dig Deeper
The Bible
The Church
The Holy Spirit
The Soul
The Triune God
Jesus Christ

New or Returning to Church?	Statements of Belief	The Bible

Get the basics on Christianity, our Lutheran traditions and an overview on how we live our faith.	As part of our worship service, learn how we express our faith together through shared creeds and our Confession of Faith.	Learn how this ancient text has continued relevance for Lutherans today and find ways to understand it in The Bible.