Who is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia and what are its ministries?
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (ELCL), a member of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), describes itself as being “committed to the work of the Lord Jesus and exists to proclaim the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins and of the new life which is in Christ Jesus.” The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia currently has 580,000 members and is governed by a Consistory composed of clergy and laity elected by the synod. The Archbishop serves as its president. The ELCL describes its ministry as such: “Following the example of Jesus who healed the sick and had compassion upon the poor and downtrodden, the ELCL seeks through its diaconical service to help the sick, the poor, and those who live without hope.” The ELCL also nurtures Christian vocation through worship, education, and service. In 1994, the ELCL created the Diaconate Center to further the church’s social ministry. The Diaconate Center “develops and implements programs and activities of social care, including soup kitchens
