About Us


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About Us
The Oregon Synod is a group of 116 congregations that work together to share more effectively the Good News of Jesus Christ with their communities, welcoming all to share in the fellowship of God's people. Its purpose is to provide services to the congregations and approximately baptized members on its territory, providing resources, encouraging them in all facets of ministry, and advocating at the state and local levels for justice for all people. In addition, the synod supports numerous other ministries in its territory. The synod is one of 65 such geographical subdivisions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a large mainline Protestant denomination in the United States. It serves ELCA members in all of Oregon and one congregation in northern California.

What is a synod?The word synod means "walking together." Our 116 churches and approximately 45,599 baptized members are walking together with Christ to serve our families, our communities and our world. Learn about our synod goals through our mission statement.

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	Bishop
	Assistant
	Oregon Synod Staff
	Executive Council Members
	Synod Council Members
	Commission for Congregational Ministries
	Synod Committees
	Mission Interpreters
	Resource People
	Organizations

What is the synod's history?
The Oregon Synod came into being on January 1, 1988, at the same time that its parent denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was created from the merger of three Lutheran bodies. Detailed information on the synod's history will be coming soon. We are Lutherans.We are part of the ELCA.The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a thrivingmainline Protestant denomination in the United States. We are one of 65 ELCA synods (or geographical subdivisions) throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Our Area
Our synod covers all of Oregon and the northern tip of California. Check out our map to see how our synod is divided into groups of churches called clusters. Click on a cluster name to see a list of churches in that area and to link to churches with web sites. Names and locations of our congregations are available as well as information about the synod's rostered leaders, which includes 115 ordained ministers, 28 ordained pastors in specialized ministry, 100 retired pastors, 4 commissioned associates in ministry, 1 consecrated diaconal ministers and 5 interns.

Bishop and Staff
Meet our bishop and staff, all of whom are linked electronically to serve our churches.

Synod Council
Meet our Synod Council officers and members, as well as the many other volunteer leaders who are key parts of the synod’s ministry.AuxiliariesSeveral auxiliaries serve specific groups of synod members.

The Synodical Women's Organization (SWO) of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is an active group with chapters in most of the synod's congregations.

The synod Oregon Lutheran Youth Organization (OLYO) sponsors numerous events throughout the year for middle and senior high school students, encourages youth in leadership roles, and takes part in the churchwide Lutheran Youth Organization.