Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the regional body of its denomination encompassing churches in the Birmingham area. Its offices are in Atlanta and the synod includes most Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) churches in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

The ELCA is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. It was formed in 1988 through the union of three Lutheran denominations: the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), the American Lutheran Church (ALC), and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC). The LCA and ALC were the products of previous unions. The principal predecessor bodies of the ELCA with churches in Birmingham were the United Lutheran Church in America (1918-1962), the LCA (1962-1988), and the ALC (1960-1987).

Current Birmingham-area congregations that are part of the synod include:

• Faith Lutheran Church, Clay
• Grace Lutheran Church, Bessemer
• Shades Valley Lutheran Church, Homewood
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Current Birmingham-area congregations that have left the ELCA since its formation include:

• Christ the King Lutheran Church

Former Birmingham-area congregations of the ELCA or its predecessors include:

• Christ Lutheran Church
• Messiah Lutheran Church, Vestavia Hills

External Sites

• Southeastern Synod ELCA website