Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

Overview

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the United States. It is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States and one of the largest Christian denominations overall. The ELCA was formed on January 1, 1988, through the merger of three Lutheran church bodies: the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), the American Lutheran Church (ALC), and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC).

History

The roots of the ELCA trace back to the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther in the 16th century. Over the years, various Lutheran immigrant groups formed distinct church bodies in the United States, often along ethnic lines. These groups gradually merged to form larger, more unified bodies. The LCA, for example, was formed in 1962 by merging several denominations with roots in the United States and Europe, including the United Lutheran Church in America, the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church, the American Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Structure and Governance

The ELCA operates under a modified episcopal polity, combining elements of episcopal and congregational governance. The denomination is divided into sixty-five regional synods, each led by a bishop. The Churchwide Assembly, composed of clergy and lay members, is responsible for setting Church policy. At least 60% of the assembly members must be lay individuals, as outlined in the ELCA's constitution.

Membership and Influence

As of December 31, 2023, the ELCA had approximately 2.79 million baptized members across its 8,498 congregations. The church is known for its progressive stance on social issues, including the acceptance of female and LGBTQ+ clergy. It also emphasizes its commitment to social justice and service, encapsulated in its motto, "God's work; our hands."

Ecumenical Relationships

The ELCA is a member of several international and national ecumenical organizations, including the Lutheran World Federation, the World Council of Churches, and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. It is in full communion with several other Christian denominations, including the Episcopal Church, Moravian Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church.

Leadership

Elizabeth A. Eaton has been the presiding bishop of the ELCA since 2013, becoming the first woman to hold this position. She has been a strong advocate for the church's progressive social stances, including LGBTQ+ rights and social justice initiatives.

Mission and Activities

The ELCA engages in extensive missionary work and community service. It supports about 150 fully supported missionaries and nine evangelists globally. The church also publishes educational and devotional materials, such as Living Lutheran, and sponsors social initiatives like the "Dismantle" anti-white supremacy devotional. Additionally, it advocates for child protection through draft social messages and continues to address issues such as immigration and transgender rights.