Church Education

Rooted in the deep and faithful heritage and involvement of Lutheran churches in education — including the start of the Lutheran Reformation at a university — the ELCA is called by God to educate people in the Christian faith and their baptismal vocation and to work with others to ensure high-quality education for all in church and society. We serve the common good by advocating for broad access to education and empowering everyone to nurture their personal gifts and abilities. Lutherans support and value public education as a godly educational path.

The 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted a social statement on education that emphasizes the responsibilities people of faith have to boost attention to faith formation in congregational life and advocate for equitable, sufficient and effective funding of public schools. The church prioritizes bringing attention to the quality of ELCA colleges, universities and seminaries, as well as the vital role of campus ministries, and the significant contributions of corporations and nonprofits that provide support for institutions and students seeking educational opportunities.