What We Believe

We subscribe to the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of Concord originally published in 1580, because they are a faithful and accurate summary of biblical doctrine. Contained here are statements of doctrine that have been adopted by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Norwegian Synod of the American Evangelical Lutheran Church (known as the "little" Norwegian Synod), or the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (known as the "old" Norwegian Synod). The present-day ELS considers itself the heir of all these adopted statements and confessions, and continues to teach and confess them as true and biblical.

We Believe, Teach, and Confess

The currently published summary of the doctrine held and taught by the ELS.

"Old" Norwegian Synod

Statements and confessions adopted in the era of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1853-1917).

"Little" Norwegian Synod

Statements and confessions adopted before our synod took the name Evangelical Lutheran Synod (1918-1955).

Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Statements and confessions adopted since our name was changed to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (1955-).

Luther's Small Catechism

Part of the Book of Concord, Luther's Small Catechism is still used to catechize both children and adults in the Christian faith. It is provided here in various formats.