Lutheran
Lutheranism was born from Martin Luther's protest against Roman Catholic practices in 1517, emphasizing justification by grace through faith alone. Lutherans uphold the authority of Scripture and the historic Lutheran confessions (Augsburg Confession, Luther's Catechisms). The tradition spans from the more progressive ELCA to the confessionally conservative Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Doctrine
What We Believe
Salvation
Justification by grace through faith alone (sola gratia, sola fide); God's gift, not human merit
Scripture
Scripture alone (sola scriptura) is the norm for doctrine
Baptism
Infant baptism; a means of grace that confers salvation
Communion
Real presence — Christ is truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine
Worship Style
Liturgical; follows historic liturgy with hymns; varies from formal to contemporary
Church Government
Varies; episcopal or synodal structures depending on denomination
Women in Leadership
ELCA ordains women; LCMS reserves ordination for men
LGBTQ+ Stance
Varies; ELCA affirming, LCMS holds traditional view
9,967 Lutheran churches
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Directory
Featured Lutheran Churches
Lutheran Church of Hope
Christian Assistance Ministry
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Central Lutheran Church (ELCA)
Bethel Lutheran Church
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