Lutherans believe that all people are imperfect and sinful. We are saved (made right with God) by God’s grace alone, through Christ — not by prayer, mindset, or good deeds. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God became one of us and took on the world’s sin and suffering to show divine love. We receive the gift of grace by faith and know that we are forgiven even as we struggle with sin. We trust that through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we are freed to live with gratitude and love.

All are welcome here. We are a deeply rooted church that is always being made new. Our roots are in Scripture and a collection of writings called the Book of Concord, as well as in the rich histories of our congregations. We believe that God calls us and equips us through the Holy Spirit to live faithfully in response to the good news-the gospel-and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. God works through individual humans and human institutions to serve in the world with all its complexities, tensions and ambiguities.

Lutherans believe it’s important to have relationships and understanding with other Christian faiths. The ELCA has established full communion with other churches, meaning we share an essential understanding to participate in common mission. We recognize our differences but remain committed to dialogue, learning and mutual respect — even when we disagree. The ELCA is committed to interfaith collaboration for the common good.

Nothing. There is no limit to God’s grace or forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ, God promises to forgive our sin. Though humans can cause pain and suffering, God always offers the possibility of healing and transformation. When we confess our sins, we are reassured of God’s forgiveness, and we respond to that grace by serving and loving our neighbor. Ultimately the gift of grace is a gift from God’s infinite love. God’s gift of faith transforms us to receive and respond to this good news.

You might be surprised to learn that Christians today talk about heaven and hell much more than the Bible does. Naturally we wonder what will happen to us and our loved ones after death. The answer to that question lies in God’s hands, not ours. We are freed to serve one another by following Jesus’ example of abundance, justice and peace.

Suffering is part of the human experience. As we move through life, we encounter injustice, loss, fear and pain. Humans make choices that cause each other troubles and sorrows. There are also natural disasters and tragedies. The question of why bad things happen is honest and real. The ELCA doesn’t pretend to have easy answers, but God is with us through all of it. The resurrection of Jesus teaches us hope, and we often experience God’s grace in times of need.

Each person is created in God’s image. Following the example of Jesus, we’re called to show love and compassion for all people and creation. This call motivates us to respond to immediate needs and to strive for justice. Both service and justice are deeply rooted in Scripture and reflect God’s desire for abundant life for all. The ELCA recognizes that both charitable works of mercy and long-term work toward justice are needed to address systemic issues that cause long-lasting harm.