History of the ELCA

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was formed in 1988 by the merger of three Lutheran bodies: the American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church in America, and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches.  

We trace our roots through the mid-17^th century, when early Lutherans came to America from Europe, settling in the Virgin Islands and present-day New York.

The Lutheran faith, born out of Martin Luther’s efforts to reform the church in the 16^th century, focuses on a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. As the ELCA, we believe we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.