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By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, December 26, 2021

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans formed - Jan. 1, 2002

Volunteers with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans work together to construct a cinder block home during a Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip to Panajachel, Guatemala. More than 30 Thrivent Financial employees traveled to Guatemala Sept. 8-16 to build homes with families in need thanks to an alliance between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International. | (Photo: Thrivent Builds)

This week marks the anniversary of when Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the prominent Lutheran financial benefit society based in Minnesota, was officially established.

Thrivent was created via a merger between the Lutheran Brotherhood and the Aid Association for Lutherans, with its Thrivent name being chosen at a later date by its members.

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, who served as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at the time, expressed support for the new name while it was being considered.

"Proposing 'Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' as the new name for the fraternal organization is an important step in strengthening the work of Lutheran fraternals, while continuing to recognize historic ties to the Lutheran community," said Hanson in February 2002.

"The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America looks forward to continuing our collegial work with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans through our distinctive roles as, together, we build the church and strengthen communities."