Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations

The ELCA is committed to visible unity among Christians as well as mutual understanding and cooperation for the common good between Christians and people of other religions and worldviews. 

The ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations staff in the Office of the Presiding Bishop is responsible for supporting, enriching and coordinating the ecumenical and inter-religious life of this church across its various expressions, and enhancing the public commitments of this church in Lutheran, ecumenical and inter-religious circles.

What does this mean?

As a church, we must consider anew our calling and commitments as we live into a world that is both ecumenically diverse and multireligious. Four key ELCA documents, or declarations, currently serve to guide this critical work: “A Declaration of Ecumenical Commitment” (1991)“A Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community” (1994), “A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment” (2019), and “A Declaration to the Muslim Community” (2022).

“…that they may all be one.” ~ John 17:21



Preaching and Teaching

Guidelines for Ministry

A Declaration of the ELCA to the Muslim Community

Policy Statement

 

A Declaration of Our
Inter-Religious Commitment:
A Policy Statement of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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Full Communion Agreements




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