Can an entire Congregation join ELCM from another church body?
Since we are a Lutheran Church body incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania they may indeed ! Most Church bodies make provisions for their congregations to vote to leave and join another church body. Congregations follow the procedures set forth by their respective present Church body. For example: A congregation desiring to leave the ELCA (or to simply explore to explore its options ) in order to join with ELCM would be free to invite our President or an ELCM Synod President to speak to their membership. All ELCA congregations are required to have two consecutive votes of approval by a super majority (2/3). Between the first and 2nd votes the ELCA Synod officials have the right to speak to the membership and leadership of the congregation. If, however a second vote by a 2/3 majority of the congregation indicates approval to leave the ELCA and join our ELCM then that congregation may leave the ELCA with it’s property and assets in order to join with ELCM. This p
