Welcome to the ELCA
We are a church that is deeply rooted in tradition and always being made new. We strive to be faithful to the gospel and to work toward more justice and wholeness in the world.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, just as we long to see you. 7 For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Features
Resource
Inspired by Mary’s Magnificat, “Filled With Good Things” invites us all to strengthen our relationships with our neighbors by sharing our abundance.
Event
Registration is now open for the triennial event, held in Minneapolis from June 28-July 2, with pre-events MYLE and the tAble June 26-28.
Publication
Bishop Curry shares his sixth in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled "All together in one place."
Resource
All ELCA members are invited to share feedback on draft revisions to the social message “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment,” by November 30.
News
Bishop Curry has issued a statement on the death penalty, citing the social statement on capital punishment adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
News
ELCA Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Commander William Bevins was recently honored with two prestigious chaplaincy awards. Read more in "Living Lutheran."
Get Involved
June 26, 2027
Explore Deeper Into Our Church
The Rev. Yehiel Curry is the presiding bishop. Previously, he served as bishop of the ELCA Metro Chicago Synod. He has chaired the ELCA Conference of Bishops, fostering ecumenical relationships and theological engagement across the Lutheran communion. He and his wife, LaShonda, have three daughters.
We believe that all people are imperfect and are saved by God’s grace alone, through Christ. We believe that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God became one of us and took upon himself the sin and suffering of the world.
ELCA social statements are teaching and policy documents that provide broad frameworks to assist us in thinking about social issues in the context of faith and life. They are meant to help communities and individuals with moral formation, discernment and thoughtful engagement with current social issues.
Give Hope. Take Action. Share Faith.
Your gifts to the ELCA support and sustain the people, congregations, synods and ministries working around the world to realize the hope-filled future God promises.
Our “Exploring Church” website can guide you along your faith journey if you are beginning it or have basic questions.
Whether immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, or others marginalized by governmental decisions, you can support them with your voice.
Discover the many ways where the ELCA helps our youth and families grow in faith and build friendships that last lifetimes.
The ELCA works beyond the US. Our work touches the lives of people globally, caring for creations, ministering to those who seek God, and providing relief where it’s needed.
Explore & Stay Connected
Resources
Considering a vocation in the church or a vocation change? Learn more about ELCA seminaries and colleges along with our discernment tool and app, Journi, to start your leadership journey.
Planning worship for your congregation or group gathering? We offer resources to help you plan worship, including the common lectionary, church year reference points, and observances.
Looking for news releases, stories and newsletters? Our News and Stories section offers the latest ELCA news releases and links to newsletters, publications, blogs and videos.
FAQs
All people seek meaning. This can come in the form of knowledge, relationships, spirituality or organized religion. The ELCA is part of the Christian church. We believe God’s grace and unfathomable love are available to all people as a gift through Jesus Christ. All are welcome here with their whole selves, which include one’s race, ethnic background, past wrongdoing, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability and legal status. Questions and doubts are welcome.
Martin Luther, after whom the Lutheran branch of Christianity is named, wrote, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that you could stake your life on it one thousand times. … Through faith, a person will do good to everyone without coercion, willingly and happily; serving everyone, suffering everything for the love and praise of God, who has shown such grace.” Faith is about living in a trusting relationship with God in response to God’s grace.
People who identify as Lutherans are those who actively practice their faith in the Lutheran tradition or who have joined a Lutheran congregation through membership. Becoming a member is a way of expressing one’s long-term commitment to the life and work of the church. It also expresses a commitment of resources to sustain the work of the congregation, as well as the national and global church.
All types of people and families are welcome! You are welcome as you are! The ELCA teaches that it doesn’t matter what your experience with religion has been or what kind of doubts or questions you might have about faith. We strive to be a church that celebrates diversity and welcomes all people as they are to worship, learn, serve and grow in faith with others.
All are welcome here. We are a deeply rooted church that is always being made new. Our roots are in Scripture and a collection of writings called the Book of Concord, as well as in the rich histories of our congregations. We strive to be faithful to the gospel and to work toward more justice and wholeness in the world. We are equipped to live and serve in the world with all its complexities, tensions and ambiguities.