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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God and experience God's grace in our lives. Learn more about What We Believe.

We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.

With more than 10,000 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and 4.2 million members—we welcome you to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA, and help us celebrate our gift of faith—with action.

Spotlight On...

Remembering lives lost. Photo: dejan83 / Shutterstock.com.

Remembering lives lost

A commemoration of "Prayer and Remembrance" will take place Sept. 11, 2011, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City, to acknowledge the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the United States that day.

Read an invitation from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, who calls this church to observe the anniversary with other religious partners, dedicating ourselves to a common mission of reconciliation.

Worship Resources | ELCA Disaster Response

Rudy McBride (in white shirt at left) leads the after-school program he once attended at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Share the Gift of Jesus with Others

Rudy McBride has attended Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, Pa., since he was a little boy. Rudy is now a deacon and program director at Trinity and leads the after-school program he once participated in.

Your unrestricted gifts to the ELCA help fund ministries like the after-school program and shepherd disciples like Rudy.

Share the gift  |  Vision for Mission

Former ELCA presiding bishops, the Rev. Herbert W. Chilstrom (left) and the Rev. H. George Anderson, appealed to ELCA members for unity and to support the ELCA financially.

New ELCA Ministries Are Hard at Work

A new model for growing congregations is taking place. Funded through gifts like yours, this church is hard at work building strategies for the future, mobilizing people for mission, promoting generosity and creating new and renewed congregations.  Your gifts to the ELCA Vision for Mission make this new ministry possible.

Please make a gift today to help proclaim Christ in your community and throughout the world.

History

Leaders

Our Three Expressions

ELCA history ELCA Leaders Our Three Expressions
The ELCA has a rich history that extends far beyond its formation in 1988. Its roots go back to Jesus of Nazareth and to the reformation of Martin Luther in the early 1500s. See where we’ve been – so you can experience where we’re going. Our leaders are committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, guiding our community of faith, educating our members and welcoming new neighbors and friends into this church. Read a statement from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and meet other leaders throughout this church. Our church body is organized in three expressions —

Learn how our structure helps the ELCA thrive.


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