Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH)

Identity

Formed in the early 1990s, ALAMEH represents the Arab and Middle Eastern Lutherans within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Members hail from regions with deep Christian roots, such as Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Palestine. ALAMEH members serve in various capacities within the ELCA, embodying a rich ecumenical tradition of faith and service.

Mission

ALAMEH’s mission is to create a welcoming Lutheran community for Arab and Middle Eastern individuals and to promote full participation within the ELCA while fostering social and evangelical outreach, congregational vitality, advocacy and leadership development. The mission is grounded in biblical hospitality and a commitment to embodying Christ’s love and service.

Vision

ALAMEH envisions a vibrant and inclusive community where Arab and Middle Eastern Lutherans are integral to the life and mission of the ELCA. This vision includes a future in which these communities are actively engaged in all aspects of church life, contributing to a diverse and rich expression of the Lutheran faith.

Objectives

1. Full Participation: Empower congregational leaders and individuals of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage to engage fully in the ELCA’s mission of fostering partnerships and to enhance their visibility within the church by engaging in all aspects of church life.
2. Social and Evangelical Outreach: Advance evangelism and social justice initiatives by supporting new ministry starts and advocating for justice, security and peace in Arab and Middle Eastern communities.
3. Congregational Vitality: Create welcoming spaces for worship and community by supporting Arab and Middle Eastern families and encouraging cultural exchange within the broader ELCA community.
4. Leadership Development: Develop leaders within the ELCA from Arab and Middle Eastern backgrounds, focusing on rostered leaders, lay leaders and youth.

Join Us

Throughout the ELCA, individuals of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage significantly contribute as pastors, lay leaders and members of synodical and churchwide boards. There are several ethnic-specific Arab and Middle Eastern churches, such as Salam Arabic Lutheran Church in New York, N.Y.; Mother of the Savior Church in Dearborn, Mich., and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nev. Synods are currently collaborating to launch new ministries in such places as Charlotte, N.C.; San Diego, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif.;  and Albany, N.Y.

For more information, feel free to get in touch with us at alameh.elca@gmail.com.
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ALAMEH collaborates with:

Rev. Khader Khalilia
Program Director, Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries, ELCA
Khader.Khalilia@elca.org

Rev. Gabi Aelabouni
Director, Middle East and North Africa, ELCA
Gabi.Aelabouni@elca.org

Maddi Froiland
Program Director, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
Maddi.Froiland@elca.org