Apr 23, 2011 -- 8:10PM, Jupiter6208 wrote:

Would the Elca Be concidered a Liberal /Progressive denomination if yes how so if not how so.

Well, people disagree on the meanings of the terms, and even if they could agree, the extent of 'liberalness' or 'progressiveness' is subjective.  Also, it can very greatly from congregation to congregation, and even between individuals within a congregation.

Having said all that, I would say that to the degree that a liberal/conservative continuum exists, the ELCA would be on the liberal side.  Not as liberal as the United Church of Christ (UCC) or the Episcopal Church (ECUSA), maybe very slightly more liberal than the Presbyterians (PCUSA) and Methodists (UMC).

What do I mean by liberal?  Good question.  Some of the 'outward' manifestations are the acceptance of female and homosexual clergy.  Also, a willingness to work with others and take down barriers, rather than retreating into our own enclaves of doctrinal purity.  The ELCA has full communion partnerships with the UCC, ECUSA, PCUSA, UMC (mentioned above) as well as the Moravian Church and the Reformed Church in America.  Also, an emphasis on social justice as being the proper way to show our love for God.

I would prefer saying that the ELCA is moving from a denominational entity to being part of a more ecumenical body. 

Look at the connections it has made with the Anglicans, Reformed, and Weslyian Traditions.  It continues in talks with the Orthodox traditions.  We have reached substancial agreement with the Roman traditions as well.  We are part of the Lutheran World Federation.  We are a member of the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches.

We have spread a pretty wide tent that includes a broad continuum of theological prespectives and political affiliations. 

"Liberal" is a loaded word.  Ecumenical is more like it.

Been thinking of the comment that the ELCA is trying to become more Americnized.  In truth, when the earliest parts of the ELCA were formed, there was a movement to become more Americanized--and that was over 200 years ago. 

However, when I look at what people think of the American church now, I see more of a nondemominational praise oriented mega church that preaches a theology of glory.

Lutherans have continually affirmed the theology of the cross.  Sure hope we don't become too Americanized.