Silesian Evangelical Church of Augsburg Confession

The Silesian Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession (SECAC) (Czech: Slezská církev evangelická augsburského vyznání (SCEAV), Polish: Śląski Kościół Ewangelicki Wyznania Augsburskiego) is the biggest Lutheran Church in the Czech Republic. Its congregations are located mainly in the Czech part of Cieszyn Silesia. A significant number of the followers belong to the Polish ethnic minority. There is strong heritage of pietism and evangelicalism present in the church. In 2009, it reported 15,632 baptized members.

The church body in present form was established after World War I, but its history traces back to 16th century. Lutheranism started to spread over Teschen Silesia during Luther’s life. Since 1610 it was subject to counter-reformation. In 1709 a church in Teschen was allowed to Lutherans by Emperor Joseph I and this church became a significant center of pietism and it played important role in the establishment of Moravian Church. Revivalist movement was strongly present in Teschen Silesia in the beginning of the 20th century too, culminating in 1905. The spiritual leadership of the church during the persecution during the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia was held by pastor Władysław Santarius.

The SECAC is a member of the World Council of Churches, the Conference of European Churches, and the Lutheran World Federation.

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