Largest US Lutheran Denomination Installs Yehiel Curry As Its First Black Presiding Bishop

October 6, 2025

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made history by installing the Rev. Yehiel Curry as its first Black presiding bishop during a ceremony at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on October 5, 2023. Curry, formerly the bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, succeeds Rev.

Who is affected

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its 2.7 million members
Communities of color within the ELCA and potential future non-white leaders in the church
African American Lutherans who have historically contributed to Lutheranism
LGBTQ+ clergy and members within the ELCA
Global Lutheran churches, particularly growing congregations in Africa
Leaders of color who work in predominantly white religious institutions

What action is being taken

The ELCA is installing Rev. Yehiel Curry as its first Black presiding bishop for a six-year term that began October 1
The denomination is investing in local congregations of color and multicultural ministries
The ELCA is maintaining ties with growing Lutheran churches globally
The church is continuing its Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program that prepares ministers for diverse settings
Curry is focusing on making the ELCA a more connected church from local congregations through the hierarchy

Why it matters

Curry's installation represents a landmark moment for representation in a predominantly white denomination
It highlights the longstanding but often overlooked contributions of African Americans to Lutheranism
The ELCA has experienced a significant membership decline from 5.3 million members in 1988 to 2.7 million today
Curry's leadership could inspire more people of color to take leadership roles in the denomination
His election follows other inclusive steps the ELCA has taken, including blessing same-sex marriages and welcoming LGBTQ+ clergy since 2009
It demonstrates one approach to growing new and diverse congregations within established church structures

What's next

Curry plans to explore ways for the ELCA to become a more connected church, from local congregations up through the hierarchy
He intends to focus on existing church goals of being a welcoming and thriving church
Curry aims to "dig a little deeper" into the denomination's already affirmed strategies rather than creating new initiatives

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint