Last week, ELCA voting members (clergy, deacons, and lay leaders) gathered in Phoenix, AZ for the Churchwide Assembly, which occurs once every three years. As always, important business was discussed and voted on, but this year was special because it was a presiding bishop election.
Curry has served as the bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod since 2019. He previously served as mission developer (2009-2012) and pastor (2012-2019) of Shekinah. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., in 1995 and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) in 2013. LSTC is one of seven ELCA seminaries.
Bishop-elect Curry talks about “embodying” a vision for the ELCA: “When we’re talking about casting a vision, I think people want to be part of a vision because they want to share in the process. But they typically will also share in the burdens as well. So part of my vision is [about] those things we’ve lifted up as a church that we said we need to do, we’re going to do, and find a way to bring more people to the table so that we might embody that work instead of it just being a written document.”
Pastor Peter shared his feelings on election results: “Bishop Curry is a thoughtful, sensitive, and inspiring leader. I am delighted that he has responded to the call of our church to serve as the next presiding bishop. I look forward to seeing how he invites all of us to embody the message of Jesus for love, justice, and compassion.”
We at Central are excited to host Bishop-elect Curry’s installation on Saturday, October 4. The presiding bishop installation is open to the public, and tickets are not required. Doors open at 1 p.m., and worship begins at 2 p.m. So, save-the-date for what is sure to be a moving and joyful event!