The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3.3 million members in more than 8,900 worshiping communities across all 50 states and the Caribbean region .

Formed in 1988 by the merger of three Lutheran bodies—the American Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church in America, and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches—the ELCA continues the legacy of the German reformer Martin Luther, emphasizing God's grace, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of faith .

What We Believe

At the heart of the ELCA’s theology is the good news that we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ—not by what we do, but by what God has done for us .

  • We believe in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  • We accept the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as faithful witnesses to the gospel.

  • We celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as central to our faith life.

A Church of Service

Known as a church of “God’s work. Our hands.”, the ELCA is deeply committed to serving communities, seeking justice, and working for peace.

Through national ministries and local congregations like Zion, the ELCA supports:

Committed to Unity and Justice

The ELCA is a church that strives to build bridges:

  • Ecumenical partnerships connect us with other Christian denominations to pursue unity in Christ. The ELCA is in full communion with several denominations, including the Episcopal Church, the Moravian Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America, the United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church .

  • Interfaith relationships foster mutual respect across religious traditions. The ELCA has been engaged in interreligious relations since its formation in 1988, building on the work of its predecessor bodies and the Lutheran World Federation .

Zion and the ELCA

As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Zion Lutheran Church is proud to be part of a wider faith community rooted in grace, committed to service, and united in Christ’s love.

Learn More

To explore ELCA ministries, social statements, and current news, visit www.ELCA.org