LSA a strong network into the future
July 21, 2011 (Baltimore, MD) - While a July 13, 2011 report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (“Principles for Cooperation in Externals with Theological Integrity”) may affect some Lutheran health and human service organizations that are part of Lutheran Services in America, this diverse network of more than 300 health and human service organizations in thousands of communities across the United States and Caribbean is strong and positioned well for the future.
Lutheran Services in America (LSA) by the numbers:
- The vast majority of organizations – 200 (of a total 309) – are solely affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). They account for $14.1 billion of the estimated $16.5 billion in annual income of LSA organizations.
- 32 organizations are solely recognized by The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). They account for $233 million of the estimated $16.5 billion in annual income of LSA organizations.
- 77 organizations have relationships with both Lutheran churches. They account for about $2.1 billion of the estimated $16.5 billion in annual income of LSA organizations.
The forms of service of LSA organizations vary widely and meet human needs broadly, including health care, food, emergencies and disasters, adoption, housing, rehabilitation, disabilities, foster care, counseling, consulting, aging, addictions, advocacy, and community development. LSA organizations provide supports for children and youth, families, and those with disabilities and the frailties of age. The organizations are diverse, too, in their size and scope, ranging from volunteer led, congregation-based ministries and nursing homes in rural communities to multi-state networks to large health care systems.
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod statement “endorsed the concept of cooperation in externals” and put forth a series of questions to be applied to the health and human service organizations it recognizes. The statement also notes that “We cannot dictate the exact direction(s) various cooperative relationships will take in the future, primarily because the nature of agreements between ELCA and LCMS congregations and entities varies on a case-by-case basis. Frank and serious discussion of this issue needs to continue on various levels so that convictions and beliefs are not compromised and that worthy projects, activities, and relationships between our church and others may continue wherever possible.”
For more information:
Jeanean Merkel, 410-230-3540 or 571-233-4492
