"My sophomore year I discovered Common Ground, an informal worship service on campus. I enjoy it because I'm free to pray, sing, and worship to the extent I want to, and feel much more in tune with God."
Jenifer Ledesma, class of 2005
California

Our Lutheran Identity

Just as our first name, California, describes where we are geographically, our middle name, Lutheran, connects us to a 500-year-old educational tradition. We proudly share this tradition with 27 other U.S. Lutheran colleges and universities who, like us, are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

What does this mean at Cal Lutheran?

Created to honor God and benefit the world,

California Lutheran University reflects its Lutheran identity

by its trust in God's grace,

a commitment to academic excellence and freedom,

and an ethic of service to neighbor.

CLU responds to God's goodness shown in Creation

by caring for the earth

and by engaging the whole word in its diversity.

CLU lives out God's love shown in Christ

by commitment to justice and peace

and belief in the dignity of every individual.

CLU trusts in God's enlightening Spirit

by advancing human knowledge

and seeking insight and wisdom through inquiry and study.