Association of Independent Evangelical Lutheran Churches

The Association of Independent Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AIELC) is a church of the Augsburg Confession [1] founded in 1988 and incorporated in the state of New York on May 8, 2001. It was founded by the Rev. Dr. Pedro Bravo-Guzmán, the Rev. Peter Paul Brennan, and the Rev. Francis C. Spataro. The church is a 501c)(3) organization.

Association of Independent Evangelical Lutheran Churches
AbbreviationAEILC
ClassificationEvangelical Catholic
TheologyChurch of the Augsburg Confession
GovernanceSemi-Episcopal
Supervising BishopRogerio Sidaoui
HeadquartersSão Paulo, Brazil
Origin1988
Astoria, New York
Official websitewww.aielc.info

On November 10, 2019, the AIELC was reorganized following the death of Bravo-Guzmán, and all existing bishops were removed from office.[2] The current supervising bishop is the Most Rev. Rogério Sidaoui, elected on May 4, 2020. The current primary headquarters is in São Paulo, Brazil.

Theology

As a church of the Augsburg Confession, the association looks to the Bible, the Book of Concord, and the writings of Martin Luther for inspiration. The church allows its clergy and members to interpret the Scriptures as each feels led by the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The church takes a quaternus position regarding the Book of Concord, holding to it only insofar as it agrees with the Holy Scriptures. The church is part of the worldwide Evangelical Catholic Community.

The church endorses the Evangelical Heritage Bible and the Holy Bible from Ancient Eastern Manuscripts.

Polity

The polity of the association is semi-episcopal.[3] The presiding and synodical bishops oversee clergy and congregations ensuring there is no deviation from the doctrine and theology of the church and also monitor the conduct of its clergy members. While each congregation governs its own affairs, the bishops have the authority to step in to maintain the integrity of the church.[4]

Culture

The church does not make political statements and does not participate in the so-called "culture war" which is divisive. Instead, the church takes positions on biblical issues; therefore, it is opposed to same-sex marriage, the ordination of practicing gays and lesbians, and abortions not medically necessary. The church advocates compassion towards those who engage in activities and behaviors with which it does not agree. The church supports the ordination of women.[4]

See also

References
  1. ELCA Yearbook Committee, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2018, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis, November 2017.
  2. "Bishops". Association of Independent Evangelical Lutheran Churches. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  3. Linder, Eileen W., editor, Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2012, p. 75.
  4. "Association of Independent Evangelical Lutheran Churches". www.aielc.info.
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