Summary
Bishop Yehiel Curry has been installed as the first Black presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a mostly white denomination. This marks a significant moment in the church's history as it continues efforts to support diverse congregations and leaders.
Key Facts
- Yehiel Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA.
- The ELCA is a predominantly white denomination, more than 95% by some estimates.
- Curry's six-year term began on October 1, 2025.
- He succeeded Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, the first woman to lead the ELCA.
- The ELCA has faced member declines, dropping from 5.3 million in 1988 to 2.7 million today.
- Curry was elected at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly on July 30, 2025.
- The church has worked on LGBTQ+ inclusion, accepting same-sex marriages since 2009.
