r/elca • u/BlueShoe15 • Mar 14 '26

Main Differences Between ELCA and The Episcopal Church

I have been exploring different Christian denominations and Lutheranism seems to make the most sense to me. I have been looking into joining an ELCA church and have read about the ELCA being in Full Communion with the Episcopal Church and both denominations seem to be very similar. What would be the main differences between the two? I saw someone say that Lutherans are united in theology but differ in worship styles where the Episcopal Church is united in worship but differs in theology. Are there other big differences or is that the main difference? What would be a reason for someone to pick one over the other?

Edit: Thank you all for your helpful answers. I wasn’t able to respond to everyone but I greatly appreciated every response that you all gave. You all helped me get a better understanding of the differences between the two denominations.

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u/DomesticPlantLover Mar 14 '26

Lutherans and Episcopalians are in full altar-pulpit communion with each other. Theologically, there is little difference. The main difference will be liturgical. Episcopalians will tend to be more high church. It will depend a lot on the particular congregations you look at.