Lutheran Church – Canada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lutheran Church – Canada |
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|---|---|
| Église luthérienne du Canada | |
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| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Lutheran |
| Theology | Confessional Lutheran |
| Structure |
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| President | Timothy Teuscher |
| Associations | International Lutheran Council |
| Origin | 1988 |
| Separated from | Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod |
| Congregations | 268 |
| Members | 44,790 (2023) |
| Ministers |
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| Publications | The Canadian Lutheran |
The Lutheran Church – Canada (LCC) is a Christian church group in Canada. It follows the Lutheran faith. The LCC is the second largest Lutheran church in Canada. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is the largest.
The LCC was started in 1988. It was formed by Canadian churches that were part of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) from the United States. The LCC and LCMS are very similar in their beliefs. They work closely together.
Contents
History of Lutherans in Canada
Early Beginnings
Lutheranism first came to Canada a long time ago. Danish explorers brought it in 1619. Later, German settlers arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749. They were encouraged by King George II to live there. The first Lutheran church in Canada was built in Halifax in 1752.
As people moved across Canada, more Lutheran churches were built. Churches appeared in Ontario in the late 1700s. Manitoba saw churches in the 1800s. Alberta had churches in the early 1900s. For many years, Canadian Lutheran churches were connected to American church groups.
Forming the LCC
By 1958, many Canadian Lutheran churches joined the LCMS. From 1958 to 1988, the LCC was a part of the LCMS. In January 1988, the LCC became its own independent church body. It set up its main office in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
When it became independent, the LCC created three main areas called districts. These were the Alberta-British Columbia (ABC) District, the Central District, and the East District.
Church Locations Today
Today, the LCC has many churches across Canada. There are 58 churches in British Columbia. Alberta has 78 churches, and Saskatchewan has 62. Manitoba has 20 churches, and Ontario has 124. There are 11 churches in Quebec, 1 in New Brunswick, and 2 in Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island has 1 church.
Church services are offered in many languages. These include English, German, Spanish, French, and Korean. Some Canadian churches still belong to the LCMS in the U.S.
Changes in Organization
In 2015, the ABC District faced financial difficulties. Its Church Extension Fund, which helped churches with loans, had problems. This led to a period of financial restructuring for the district.
Because of these financial challenges, the LCC decided to change its national structure. On January 2, 2019, the three districts (ABC, Central, and East) were combined. They became one national church body.
What Lutherans Believe
Core Beliefs
The LCC believes the Bible is God's true and inspired Word. They follow the Lutheran Confessions. These are writings that explain what Lutherans believe. They believe these writings faithfully express what the Bible teaches.
Church Practices
The LCC practices "closed communion." This means that only Christians who share the LCC's beliefs can take part in communion. Communion is a special meal in the church.
They also practice infant baptism, where babies are baptized. Children usually receive "confirmation instruction." This teaching helps them understand their faith better. It prepares them for full participation in the church. The LCC works with other Lutheran church groups around the world. Many LCC churches use the Lutheran Service Book for their hymns and worship.
Roles in the Church
In the LCC, women do not serve as pastors. However, women play important roles in other ways. They serve in elected or appointed positions. These roles include teachers and deaconesses in the churches.
Church Activities
Training Pastors
The LCC has two schools for training pastors. One is Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario. It opened in 1976. The other is Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta. It opened in 1984.
Other Programs
Concordia University of Edmonton was started by the LCMS in 1921. It used to help train church workers for the LCC. However, it is no longer connected to the Lutheran church since November 2015.
In the past, the LCC also helped with health care. They supported hospitals and homes for senior citizens. They also had chaplains who served in the military and prisons.
The official records of the LCC were kept at the Lutheran Historical Institute in Edmonton. This institute closed in 2015 due to financial and administrative issues.
Global Missions
The LCC is involved in mission work around the world. They have worked in Nicaragua since 1997. This led to the creation of the Lutheran Church Synod of Nicaragua in 2008.
They also help in Southeast Asia. They provide training for future pastors in Thailand and Cambodia. The LCC also has mission work in Venezuela and Ukraine. In Ukraine, they help train pastors at Concordia Seminary near Odesa.
See also
- List of Christian denominations
