In 2005 it reported 775 churches in the U.S. with 1500 clergy and 118,000 full members. Founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants, the ECC values the Bible as the Word of God, the gift of God's grace and ever-deepening spiritual life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, the importance of extending God's love and compassion to a hurting world, and the strength that comes through unity within diversity." | In 2005 it reported 775 churches in the U.S. with 1500 clergy and 118,000 full members. Founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants, the ECC values the Bible as the Word of God, the gift of God's grace and ever-deepening spiritual life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, the importance of extending God's love and compassion to a hurting world, and the strength that comes through unity within diversity." |