Who We Are - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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 nearly 10,500 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and nearly five 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...

The Rev. Herb Brokering, pastor, author, lyricist, speaker and hymn writer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Nov. 7.

Remembering Herb Brokering

The Rev. Herbert F. Brokering, ELCA pastor, author, lyricist, speaker and hymn writer, died Nov. 7 in Bloomington, Minn.

Brokering, 83, wrote popular Lutheran hymns including "Thine the Amen" "Earth and All Stars!" "Praise, Praise! You Are My Rock" and "Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!" A memorial service is Nov. 21 at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.

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ELCA Board of Pensions: Faithful to your well-being

2009 Discount Program Ends, 2010 Changes Coming

Fifteen ELCA synods, seminaries and churchwide ministries saved collectively more than $295,000 this year. The savings came from a 2 percent discount on health contributions the ELCA Board of Pensions awarded to employer groups after 75 percent of their eligible employees and spouses completed a health assessment.

More | ELCA Board of Pensions

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, president of the Lutheran World Federation, offers a reflection on daily bread.

LWF Assembly 2010 Theme: Daily Bread

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA and president of the Lutheran World Federation, has a new video reflection on daily bread.

"Give Us Today Our Daily Bread" is the theme for the Lutheran World Federation Eleventh Assembly, July 20-27, 2010, in Stuttgart, Germany.

Watch video | LWF Eleventh Assembly

The Rev. Martin Junge (left) is congratulated by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson after announcing Junge's election as next general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation.

Martin Junge Elected LWF General Secretary

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Council elected the Rev. Martin Junge, 48, to a seven-year term as the eighth LWF General Secretary.

The former president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile will be the first general secretary from Latin America. Junge succeeds the Rev. Ishmael Noko, who leaves office in October 2010.

More | Lutheran World Federation

Acholi children in Northern Uganda wait outside their school -- a scene from the hourlong special, Ready to Forgive: An African Story of Grace.

'Ready to Forgive' to Broadcast on ABC

Beginning Oct. 18 through December 2009, ABC Television affiliate stations will have available to them "Ready to Forgive: An African Story of Grace," hosted by Rwandan genocide survivor, Immaculée Ilibigaza.

This captivating story about forgiveness was shot entirely on location in Uganda, Africa.

More | Local Listings

History

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 —