Ahead of the Thirteenth LWF Assembly in 2023, we are engaging in a four-year study of contemporary Lutheran identities, as they are expressed by people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Lutheran identities

A study process on what ‘Being Lutheran’ means in a global and local context

What does ‘Being Lutheran’ mean in the wide variety of cultures and national contexts that make up our global communion of 149 member churches?

Throughout its history, the LWF has guided study processes to deepen our shared understanding of the theological identity of member churches, through which we continue to recognize and support each other.

In the lead-up to the Thirteenth LWF Assembly in 2023, we are engaging in a four-year study of contemporary Lutheran identities, as they are expressed by people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

As Lutherans, we are united in our shared profession of faith: we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ and called to love and serve our neighbor.

We believe that these foundational Lutheran values of freedom, love and service to neighbor are increasingly needed as a counter-witness to societies’ growing narratives of discrimination, exclusion and injustice.

But being Lutheran is not a static identity. Rather, as this study process shows, it is always being developed and expressed in new and creative ways, as we seek to respond to the challenges of our day.

As we listen to each other’s experiences, we are able to step back and see that diversity does not create confusion, but rather a rich harmony of voices, a great human tapestry.

Lutheran Identities Study Process