The
Salvadoran Lutheran Synod (SLS) is a legally independent church which became a full
Lutheran World Federation member in 1984. It was formerly a member of CONCAP,
a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Organization of mission-related churches in
Central America. The church membership of 12,000 -- an eightfold increase
since 1977 -- was served until 1982 by only two ordained pastors, since one
was murdered and two others left the country during the long civil war.
Today, the Synod is divided into three regions with more than 68 churches,
22 ordained pastors, 6 of whom are serving as missionaries.
Evangelism, preaching, diaconic work, education, development and
social action are among the priorities of the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod. Work among those
who suffered during the civil war continues and a human rights office also is maintained.
The Department of Human Rights relates to other human rights organizations as well as
maintaining contact and advocacy with State agencies and organizations charged with
guaranteeing the human rights of all Salvadorans. Human Rights Promoters are being trained
to provide leadership using popular education techniques.
The Lutheran University of El Salvador (ULS) with a Faculty of Theology
and Humanities and a Faculty of Science was designed to offer educational
opportunities to people who come from poor communities and prepare them for
ministry and social service. The philosophy of the university is that
leaders who come from poor communities can more effectively serve the poor.
During the civil war the Lutheran church and other churches were involved in relief
ministry. Aid was given without regard to political or ideological preference. Because of
this, the SLS came under the attack of the government and paramilitary groups. Property
was destroyed and people were disappeared, arrested, tortured, or killed. However, the
church's service to the poor and commitment to justice has brought increasing popularity
as well. More clergy, both lay and ordained, are needed to serve the growing numbers of
the faithful and those who turn to the SLS for assistance.
In 1992 a Peace Accord was signed between the FMLN (a guerilla movement) and the
Salvadoran government. Following this development, the SLS ministry changed from one of
relief during warfare to one of Christian education, congregational organization, and
serving the people as they strive to create peace characterized by social justice and
equality.
A major involvement of the ELCA in El Salvador is channeled through the Lutheran World
Federation - World Service. Lutheran World Service presence in El Salvador began in 1983
when there was a need for an international presence for the security of the church and to
support work with internally displaced people. Emerging community organizations address
needs in the areas of health, housing, agriculture, education, advocacy and coordination.
The LWF/WS program is divided into four major program areas: Peace and Justice,
Alleviation of Poverty/Hunger, Protection of the Creation, and Response to Emergencies.
These programs emphasize actions such as consolidation of peace processes, empowerment of
democratic institutions, integrated development projects in areas of former warfare, and
the empowerment of women to participate more fully in society and human rights advocacy.
Evangelism, preaching, diaconic work, education, development and
social action are among the priorities of the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod. Work among those
who suffered during the civil war continues and a human rights office also is maintained.
The Department of Human Rights relates to other human rights organizations as well as
maintaining contact and advocacy with State agencies and organizations charged with
guaranteeing the human rights of all Salvadorans. Human Rights Promoters are being trained
to provide leadership using popular education techniques.
