The American Association of Lutheran Churches was formed on November 7, 1987 as an alternative choice for churches in The American Lutheran Church who did not want to be part of the merger with two other Lutheran church bodies which formed the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The AALC began with 12 congregations and has, as of 2005, grown to 87 congregations spread across 23 states. The AALC sees itself in the conservative middle of Lutheranism in the United States. The AALC operates its own seminary, The American Lutheran Theological Seminary , located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The AALC offices are located in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Basic beliefs of the AALC

(from their website)

• The full authority of the Bible as the inerrant and infallible Word of God;

• The Lutheran Confessions as a true interpretation of Scripture;

• A purpose focused on the Great Commission with priority for Evangelism and World Missions;

• The authority of the local congregation as the basic unit of the church.

External links

• The American Association of Lutheran Churches website