The Lutheran Church in America (LCA) was a major Lutheran denomination in the United States, formed in 1962 through the merger of several Lutheran bodies. It aimed to promote unity among Lutherans and to provide a collective voice in social and theological matters. The LCA emphasized the importance of scripture and the teachings of Martin Luther, the founder of the Lutheran tradition. In 1988, the LCA merged with the American Lutheran Church and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This new organization continues to uphold the values and beliefs of the LCA while expanding its mission and outreach efforts across the country.