Welcome

The Oregon Synod is one of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God, as made known in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow in our relationship with God, and experience God's grace in our lives.

With more than 10,300 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, as well as 4.5 million members nationwide, the ELCA welcomes everyone to experience this church right in your community. Explore the ELCA, and help us celebrate our gift of faith—with action.

Here in Oregon we are over 35,000 Lutherans in 120 congregations (including Trinity Lutheran in Tulelake, CA.) We welcome you everywhere we are, and we thank you for joining us to help make the world a better place for everybody.

Reconciling in Christ

The Oregon Synod is a Reconciling in Christ Synod, welcoming individuals of all races, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and life experiences. More and more Oregon congregations are spending time in prayer and conversation so as to better understand the needs of those who have felt excluded from Christian community in the past. A list of congregations in the Oregon Synod who have adopted a Reconciling in Christ statement of inclusive welcome is available for download in PDF format.

Oregon Synod Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke has created two Bible studies on issues of sexuality and Christian ministry at the request of such congregations. They are now available online as full multimedia presentations.