Who
we are: What Lutherans Believe
The Christian church is made
up of those who have been baptized and thus have received Christ as the Son of
God and Savior of the world. Sometimes it is referred to as "the Body of
Christ." Lutherans believe that they are a part of a community of faith that
began with the gift of the Holy Spirit, God's presence with his people, on the
day of Pentecost. The church, regardless of the external form it takes, is the
fellowship of those who have been restored to God by Christ. Indeed, to be called
into fellowship with Christ is also to be called into community with other believers.
The
church is essential to Christian life and growth. Its members are all sinners
in need of God's grace. It has no claim on human perfection. The church exists
solely for the hearing and doing of God's Word. It can justify its existence only
when it proclaims the living Word of Christ, administers the Sacraments and gives
itself to the world in deeds of service and love. Most Lutherans recognize a wider
fellowship of churches and are eager to work alongside them in ecumenical ministries
and projects.
For more information, see an explanation on the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of America's website at http://www.elca.org/about.html.
See
also our page of Links. | 
