Our faith tradition is based on a life-transforming story. The ELCA’s story is both ancient and timely. It’s a story of a powerful and patient God who has boundless love for all people of the world, who brings justice for the oppressed. It’s a story of Jesus Christ, changing lives. It’s a story that brings comfort and strength to people who today live in modern, often unsettling times. Learn more about our beliefs—and become a part of our story.

Spotlight On...

Harare, Zimbabwe

Pray for Zimbabwe

The Lutheran World Federation Council issued a call for Lutherans to pray for peace and justice for all Zimbabweans. The council stated, "The (LWF) stands ready to support the people of Zimbabwe in rebuilding their nation, and in restoring their betrayed hopes,” according to an ELCA News release.

Prior to the June 27 election, the World Council of Churches issued a similar call for prayer.

[Photo: Chris Black/WCC]
Hanson with a Lutheran pastors in Kenya

What Does It Mean to Be Lutheran?

This is an important time to be Lutherans in the world, said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson to Lutheran pastors in Kenya. "We have gifts to bring to the Church catholic. To be evangelical, confessional, ecumenical and missional is what it means to be Lutheran," said Hanson, who is ELCA presiding bishop and president of the Lutheran World Federation. Hanson also visited a hospital, university, and orphanage in Tanzania.
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Book of Faith

The Bible is a "Book of Faith"

Book of Faith is an initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture.

In this first year, people are invited to join the conversation, to make a commitment and to become part of the Book of Faith initiative. Find out how at www.bookoffaith.org.

ELCA, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishops Urge Prayers for Peace in Sudan

In a June 5 joint statement, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding, and the Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Episcopal Church presiding bishop, urged U.S. citizens to pray for peace in Sudan, and they called for "strong action" from the international community to restore stability there.
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New or Returning to Church?

Statements of Belief

The Bible

New or Returning to Church? Statements of Faith The Bible
Get the basics on Christianity, our Lutheran traditions and an overview on how we live our faith. As part of our worship service, learn how we express our faith together through shared creeds and our Confession of Faith.

Learn how this ancient text has continued relevance for Lutherans today and find ways to understand it in The Bible.