St Anne's Lutheran Church: What do Lutherans believe

Lutherans profess the historic creeds of the church, which proclaim that God is a Trinity - the Creator, Saviour and Comforter of all that exists. Lutherans especially emphasise that God offers his eternal love to humans as a gift - it is not something that they can earn by what they do. In Christ, God has shown us that he accepts us as we are, with our many failings. In believing that alone, we are put right with God. Lutherans sum this up by professing that we are 'justified by grace, through faith'. Such faith empowers people to express love to their neighbours freely - not in an effort to win God's salvation, but in praise of the God who loves us unconditionally and eternally.

How do Lutherans worship?

As Lutheran services are conducted in many different languages, cultures and countries, there are inevitably variations in expressions and styles of worship. Generally, however, Lutheran services are in the 'catholic' tradition, following the ancient liturgies and observing historic usage. Music has always been an important part of Lutheran worship - services are often sung and instrumental music is common. There have been many great Lutheran composers who wrote prolifically for their churches - perhaps Bach and Mendelssohn are the best known.

Lutherans celebrate Holy Communion regularly, believing that Christ is really present in his fullness in the bread and wine of the sacrament. Lutherans administer Holy Baptism to infants and adults, believing that God strengthens faith through the water used in this sacrament.

Who are Lutherans?

Lutherans take their name from Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk and theologian in 16th century Germany. He believed that the church was ignoring or contradicting important teachings of Christ, and that it had become corrupt as an institution.

Because his convictions were deeply felt, in 1517 he published 95 theses for discussion and debate within the church. His aim was to reform the church so that Christ's gospel was restored to the central position in the church's life and teaching.

Luther did not want to leave the church, but the church's leadership regarded his views as disturbing and dangerous. In 1520 he was excommunicated, but he continued to proclaim his views in his preaching, teaching and writing.

He was supported by a growing number of people, including many clergy and secular rulers. In a short time large areas of Germany became 'Lutheran', and Lutheranism took root in other European countries and in Scandinavia.

The Lutheran Church was the first church to grow out of the Reformation movement. The Reformation was kindled by Luther's 95 theses and rapidly spread throughout western Europe, influencing also the church in Britain at the time of Henry VIII.

The Lutheran Church continues to be one of the largest churches in the world, developing first in Germany, Scandinavia and the Baltic, and now comprising some 60-70 million members in all regions of the world.

When did Lutherans come to Britain?

Lutherans have worshipped in England since the 16th century, and the first official congregation was established in London in 1669, used by Germans and Scandinavians. By the end of the 17th century, two further congregations (one German and one Scandinavian) had been established.

Now there are Lutheran congregations in all parts of Britain and Lutheran worship is conducted in a wide range of languages, reflecting its international character -German, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, Icelandic, Polish, Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Cantonese, Amharic, Swahili, Hungarian, and English.

In 1962 Lutheran congregations using English for worship were constituted as a body, today known as the Lutheran Church in Great Britain (LCiGB). Along with Lutherans of other language traditions in Britain, the LCiGB strives to proclaim the gospel of Christ faithfully, by word and sacrament, in the communities that it serves.

How do Lutherans relate to other Christians?

The LCiGB, along with other Lutheran churches in Britain, is a member of Lutheran Council of Great Britain, which belongs to Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, an ecumenical network that represents all the main churches in the country.

On the global level, the Lutheran Church has been engaged in productive discussions for many years with the Roman Catholic Church, which have helped the two churches to deepen their
understanding and appreciation of each other.

In recent years Nordic and Baltic Lutheran churches have entered into a new relationship with the Church of England, which includes inter-communion and the exchange of priests.

In these and many other ways Lutherans strive for reconciled diversity in the one body of Christ.

Where are Lutheran services held in Britain ?

You are welcome to attend worship at any Lutheran church. If you would like more information about the Lutheran Church or its ministry in Britain, please speak to the local pastor, or write to:

The Lutheran Church in Great Britain
Lutheran Church House
9 Alma Road
Headingley
Leeds LS6 2AH

Lutherans in Leeds

Tel/Fax 0113 275 9042

Further information on the web site of the Lutheran Council of Great Britain.

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN GREAT BRITAIN IS A MEMBER OF THE LUTHERAN WORLD FEDERATION

The notes on this page are from a leaflet introducing The Lutheran Church in Great Britain.

A plaque at St Anne's displaying the Apostle's Creed.