The Lutheran Church (ELCA) vs. Catholic Church

There are a lot of differences between the Catholic Church and the ELCA. The Catholic Church is much older than the ELCA and the ELCA was a church that broke off from the Catholic Church because they did not agree with some of their teachings, practices, etc. The Catholic Church also has a papacy which is different from the ELCA. The Lutheran Church does not have a hierarchy like that. There are some beliefs in the Catholic Church such as the Nicene Creed that is said during mass. The Lutherans do not have this.

A big difference between the Catholic and Lutheran church is the sacraments. The Catholic Church observes seven sacraments. They are: Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the sick, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, and Holy Matrimony. The Lutheran Church only observes Baptism and Communion. The Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church both observe communion but there is a major difference. Catholics believe in transubstantiation and Lutherans do not. This is the belief that the bread and wine is actually changed to the body and blood of Christ. The ELCA has an open communion and the Catholic Church does not. If you are Catholic, you cannot participate in communion.

Another big difference is the role of women. Women play a much bigger role in the Lutheran church because they are allowed to. In the Catholic Church women are not allowed to be priests. Lutheran women are allowed to be pastors.

In the Catholic Church, beliefs are very black and white. When it comes to abortion, there is no room for it. From the “womb to the tomb” a life must be respected. Life has dignity and this must be respected. Catholics also believe in a just war, but they also believe that we have never had one. Lutheran’s know that sin is present in the world and therefore believe that war is going to happen. This was apparent in the readings as well. There were fewer references in the Catholic religion about recognizing sins. Catholic’s believe that it is okay to be homosexual but is wrong to act on it. Therefore they cannot live together. In the Lutheran Church, homosexuals can live together as far as I know.

One common theme between the two churches is that on the idea of immigration. Both churches were very active in helping those affected by the raid in Postville. They both believe that everyone has human dignity and should be able to make the life that they want. Both churches are also very active in helping the poor in the community.