Frequently Asked Questions

graphic of person with question

Listed below are some of the more
frequently asked questions about Lutheran CORE. If you have specific questions not included here or would like an individual response, send your question to: info@lutherancore.org

What Kind of a Name is “Lutheran CORE”?

The organization is referred to as the “Coalition for Renewal.” The initial letters “Co” and “Re” are taken as a contraction of the title. But more than this, the name “CORE” also conveys our representation of the broad center of traditional Lutheranism in this country, and our stand for core Lutheran values and theology. Our intention, as Lutheran CORE, is to be a voice for the Word of God within our church. We are neither of the left nor of the right. We are for the center, where Christ is Lord, and where his Word redeems us and calls us to newness of life.

What is Lutheran CORE's relationship to the ELCA?

With our consciences captive to the Word of God, Lutheran CORE must oppose the decisions of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Lutheran CORE has renounced its recognition by the ELCA as an Independent Lutheran Organization that officially relates to the ELCA. We invite faithful Lutheran congregations and individuals to direct funding away from the national church body because of the 2009 churchwide assembly decisions. We will continue to pray for ELCA members, leaders and churches and support directly ELCA ministries that conform with God's Word.

Is Lutheran CORE a “break-away” organization?

No. Lutheran CORE continues to uphold the ELCA's confession of faith. The ELCA is breaking away from its confession of faith and from most other Lutheran churches in the world as well as the whole Christian Church. The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly decisions on sexuality conflict with the ELCA confession of faith that "the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments" are "the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life." The assembly's adoption of a novel definition of the "bound conscience," which is neither Lutheran, biblical nor Christian, places each individual sinner in authority over Scripture. Lutheran CORE will work within the ELCA and outside it so that individuals, congregations and synods do not follow the tragic course set by the ELCA churchwide organization.

What is Lutheran CORE's mission?

Lutheran CORE's mission is to be:

  • a confessional and confessing movement for all Lutherans who identify with its purposes of Lutheran CORE;
  • a churchly community, grounded in Word and Sacrament, and rooted in the Holy Scriptures, the ecumenical creeds, and the Lutheran Confessions;
  • a free-standing synod, taking on those ministries that synods typically carry out, apart from a direct relationship with another Lutheran churchbody;
  • a coalition of individual lay persons, pastors, congregations, synods and other reform movements.

What is Lutheran CORE Congregations?

Formerly known as Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession (LC3), it is now the congregational component of Lutheran CORE.

How I can I support Lutheran CORE?

Lutheran CORE is thankful for your prayers and words of encouragement. We are constantly looking to grow our network of supporters in all areas of North America. If you would like to connect with Lutheran CORE in your area, please feel free to contact any one of the members of our steering committee (refer to the Contact Lutheran CORE page).

We also appreciate financial support as Lutheran CORE works toward a reconfiguration of North American Lutheranism.

Lutheran CORE is a religious, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation so donations from individuals are fully tax-deductible. You may make an online donation or checks may be sent to:

Lutheran CORE
2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220
New Brighton, MN 55112-2202