Mission Statement

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement participates in God’s mission for the world by being part of the Body of Christ in Philadelphia. Therefore, we proclaim the Gospel, administer the Sacraments, and share God's reconciling and redeeming love and grace with each other and our surrounding neighborhoods, nation, and world.

Welcome Statement

Through our baptism in Christ, we are called by Jesus to be agents of reconciliation and healing within our society. We, therefore, welcome and share Christ's love with all people without regard to age, race, ethnicity, gender identities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, relationship or family status, physical and mental status, or level of doubt. Christ is our unity; in him we are a new creation.

Commitments

As a result of our mission and welcome statements, Atonement is committed to the following:

  • Racial Equality and Anti-Racism. We will regularly use our Synod’s Anti-racism Team and its resources.

  • Letters of Call. We are open to calling ordained leaders who are LGBTQIA+, Black, Brown, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC).

  • Space Use. Our facilities are, and have been, available for LGBTQIA+ weddings, blessings, baptisms, etc.

  • Partnership. We are committed partners with Reconciling Works to spread God’s radical welcome and love to everyone.