Ministries of Diverse Cultures & Communities (MDCC)
The Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities (MDCC) team assists the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in becoming more culturally diverse and anti-racist by working with ELCA congregations, synods, churchwide colleagues, communities, agencies, and institutions. Within the ELCA, the MDCC team strives to accomplish the shared goal of full partnership and participation of people from African Descent, African National, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and Latino communities in the life of this church.
Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities
The Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities (MDCC) team equips the ELCA to live more fully into its call to be a diverse, inclusive and anti-racist church. Working in partnership with congregations, synods, churchwide colleagues, institutions and communities, the MDCC team supports the shared goal of full participation of people of African Descent, African Nationals, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander, Indigenous and Latino heritage in the life of this church.
Through resources, consultation and collaborative programming, the MDCC team helps all expressions of the church embrace the beauty and richness of God’s diverse creation. The team draws deeply on the wisdom, gifts and lived experiences of diverse communities and sovereign tribal nations, whose faithful witness strengthens the ELCA’s ministry and proclaims Christ’s love and justice in the world.
Together, we seek to nurture a church where every community’s story is honored, every person’s gifts are uplifted and all are invited to walk together in God’s mission of reconciliation, justice and abundant life.
Our Diverse Ministries
We celebrate people of African ancestry, honoring their faith, culture and leadership while working together for justice, unity and vibrant ministry across all communities.
We honor Christians of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage—descendants of ancient faith communities—and embrace their languages, stories and witness as integral to our shared mission.
We welcome people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, honoring diverse languages, cultures and faith traditions and working toward ministries rooted in identity, unity and service.
We partner with Indigenous peoples in truth, healing, and justice—facing the harms of colonization, repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery and supporting land acknowledgment and reconciliation.
We honor Latinos in the ELCA, embracing their diverse heritage, faith and stories as essential to our shared life and mission.
ELCA’s White Lutherans for Racial Justice gathers white-identifying members to serve as visible and active anti-racists supporting a multicultural church.
Our Stories: Meet Ministry Members
We want to hear from you! Contact MDCC to share your story as a ministry member.