Denominational History

The congregation of First United has belonged to various Lutheran synods and denominations during its history. It was founded as a part of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States, and was one of five parishes instrumental in organizing the California Synod of this church body in 1891. In 1918 the General Synod merged with two other national church bodies to form the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA). First United was a part of the Pacific Southwest Synod of the United Lutheran Church until 1963 when the denomination merged with three other church bodies to become the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). In 1988, First United became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and continued its membership until December 1995.

In 1990, the ELCA suspended First United from membership for ordaining Jeff Johnson, an openly gay pastor, against the wishes of the denomination. At the same time, St. Francis Lutheran Church in San Francisco was suspended for ordaining two openly lesbian pastors, Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zillhart. On December 31, 1995, First United and St. Francis were expelled from the ELCA for this action. As of January 1, 1996, both congregations are independent Lutheran churches affiliated with the San Francisco Conference of Lutheran Churches.