The Lutheran Church is the oldest Protestant Christian tradition, dating back to the Protestant Reformation in 1517 and the challenge from Augustinian Monk Martin Luther of the doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther challenged the Catholic Church to be more consistent with Biblical teachings. This debate escalated to the extent that Luther himself and his followers split from the Catholic Church and became known as Lutherans. Lutheranism spread from Germany to most countries across the globe and has become one of the largest Protestant denominations.
First Lutheran is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, welcoming all people regardless of race, ethnic background or sexual orientation.
Reconciling in Christ is a designation of ReconcilingWorks/North American, an organization that advocates for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people into the full life of the church.
For more information about First Lutheran’s RIC celebration year, click here.