ELCA Elects First Black Presiding Bishop in Landmark Vote
Rev. Yehiel Curry has been elected as the new presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This historic decision was made on July 30, 2025, during the church’s national assembly in Phoenix, Arizona.
Curry is now the highest-ranking leader of the 2.7 million-member Protestant denomination. He takes over from Elizabeth Eaton, who led the church for two terms. Curry will serve a six-year term guiding congregations across the United States.
Yehiel Curry’s Long Road to the Role
Before this election, Curry served as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod since 2019. This regional body includes 165 congregations. His journey to leadership has been marked by faith, humility, and self-doubt.
“I never saw myself as good enough, so for two years, I said no,” Curry told the assembly. He finally said yes after much reflection. “Your support, this church’s support, of that ministry meant everything,” he added.
From Teacher to Church Leader
Curry’s life began on the South Side of Chicago, where he was raised Catholic. He later became a public school teacher, working with seventh graders. His spiritual turning point came in the 1990s when he attended a service at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.
That visit sparked his calling to ministry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University in 1995 and later a Master of Divinity in 2013 from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
A Pastor with Deep Community Roots
Before leading the synod, Curry served as pastor and mission developer at Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church in Riverdale, Illinois. The church has a majority Black membership, and Curry worked hard to build strong, lasting relationships in the community.
He and his wife, LaShonda, have three daughters. His family and church community have played a major role in his spiritual journey.
Church Takes a Stand on Global Justice
During the same assembly, ELCA members passed a strong resolution calling for justice in the Middle East. They urged U.S. leaders to stop military aid to Israel and support Palestinian statehood and U.N. membership.
The ELCA joins other Protestant groups in describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. Their resolution aligns with views expressed by the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The denomination works closely with churches in Palestine, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. They also support Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, which treats Palestinian patients.
