Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

A historical and descriptive introduction. Local practice varies; the examples below are not a judgment of a community’s faithfulness.

When and how it began

The ELCA began operating in 1988 after the merger of the American Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church in America, and Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches. Its constituting convention met in 1987; its Lutheran roots reach back to the Reformation.

Beliefs and practices

It teaches justification by grace through faith, practices infant and adult baptism, and celebrates the real presence of Christ in Communion. Women and men serve as ordained ministers.

A typical worship service

Many services follow a liturgy with confession, readings, hymns, sermon, and Communion. Others use contemporary music and less formal orders.

What the worship space looks like

Crosses or crucifixes, a font, pulpit, and altar or Communion table are common.

Branches and differences

Congregations belong to regional synods within a churchwide body. The ELCA is separate from the Missouri Synod and Wisconsin Synod; sharing the name Lutheran does not make their policies identical.

Explore related profiles

Lutheran churches

Sources & further reading

Historical overviews support the account of origins. Official church documents describe the community’s own beliefs and practice.

Reviewed September 24, 2026. Broad family descriptions do not settle local policies or every contested point of history.