Lutherans are the largest denomination of Protestant Christians in the world. In many countries such as Sweden and Finland, the Lutheran Church is the state religion; however, Lutheranism is growing rapidly in Africa and Asia too.

The Lutheran tradition began in Germany in the early 1500's when Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk and Biblical scholar, disagreed with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church concerning how people are put right with God. Luther believed that Christians are justified or "saved" only through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and not by any good works or merits (See Romans 4:5). He also believed that the Christian church should teach and practice as doctrine only those things which are found in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and not things which were merely man made traditions. He stressed the authority of the Bible, translated the Bible into the language of the common people, and encouraged lay people to read and study Scripture on their own. He also translated the Mass or Eucharistic worship service into the common language (it had previously been conducted only in Latin), allowed priests to marry, and stressed the God pleasing nature of daily work and humanitarian efforts.

Many of Luther's ideas were later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church, and the two traditions continue to be very similar. Both confess the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian creeds, and both believe that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine of Holy Communion. Both churches practice the sacrament of Holy Baptism, through which sins are washed away and individuals are made members of the body of Christ. Worship services in Lutheran churches are similar to those in Roman Catholic and Episcopalian churches.

Do Lutherans baptize babies?

Yes, because God's grace is offered to all. However, baptized children are instructed in the Christian faith and asked to affirm their baptism when they come of age. This is the rite of Confirmation, and is usually celebrated when an individual is in eighth grade.

Who may receive Holy Communion?

Holly Communion is offered to all baptized Christians of any tradition who wish to receive Our Lord's body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Children are usually instructed and receive their first Holy Communion in the fifth grade; however, children who have already received Holy Communion in a tradition other then the Lutheran church are permitted to receive as well. Young children who have not yet been instructed are permitted to come to the altar for a blessing when their parents receive. The Lutheran church does not withhold this sacrament from individuals because of divorce or remarriage.

Do Lutherans go to confession?

Yes and no. Each worship service begins with a brief order of public confession in which worshippers are asked to examine their consciences and pray for God's forgiveness. If a person feels the need for private, individual confession, he or she may make an appointment with the pastor for counseling. Such discussions are always kept in the strictest of confidence.