Historic Appointment: Rev. Yehiel Curry Becomes First Black Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
In a significant milestone for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Rev. Yehiel Curry has been installed as the first Black presiding bishop of the denomination. This landmark event, which took place on Saturday at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, marks a pivotal moment in the history of a church that has long been characterized by its predominantly white membership.
A New Era for the ELCA
Curry’s installation comes after a successful election at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly held in Phoenix on July 30. He officially began his six-year term on October 1, succeeding the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, who served as the first female presiding bishop for 12 years. This transition not only reflects a change in leadership but also symbolizes a broader shift towards inclusivity within a denomination that has historically been rooted in Scandinavian and German traditions.
Curry expressed hope that his presence would inspire others from diverse backgrounds to envision themselves in leadership roles. “If presence matters, me being here does something for allowing others to consider, ‘Someone who looks like me, or is from my community, or speaks with an accent, or their mother tongue isn’t English [could take on a similar role],'” he stated upon his election.
Challenges Ahead
As the leader of the largest Lutheran body in the United States, Curry faces challenges that are common across many mainline Protestant denominations. The ELCA has experienced a significant decline in membership, dropping from 5.3 million in 1988 to approximately 2.7 million today. This decline is compounded by ongoing theological disputes, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion. Since 2009, the ELCA has made strides in this area by blessing same-sex marriages and welcoming LGBTQ+ clergy, including the elevation of its first openly gay regional bishop in 2013 and its first openly transgender regional bishop in 2021.
Curry, who previously served as the bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, is only the fifth presiding bishop since the ELCA’s formation in 1988. His background as a social worker and educator adds a unique perspective to his leadership role. Born on the south side of Chicago as the seventh of eleven children, Curry’s journey to ministry began in the Catholic Church, where he attended Catholic schools before transitioning to the Lutheran faith.
A Personal Journey
Curry’s path to the ELCA is a testament to the evolving nature of American Lutheranism. He first encountered the denomination while seeking mentorship programs for his middle school students. His initial visit to Shekinah Chapel, a fledgling congregation in Chicago, led him to discover a community that resonated with his values and aspirations. “I had these unique students, and I was interested in services for them,” he recalled. “There was a worship service I stayed for. And I loved it.”
Curry’s leadership journey within the ELCA has been marked by a commitment to fostering diverse congregations. He participated in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program, which aims to prepare ministers in multicultural and underserved settings. His experiences reflect a broader trend within the ELCA to cultivate new and diverse congregations while addressing the challenges faced by older church structures.
Historical Context
Curry’s appointment is not just a personal achievement; it also highlights the historical presence of Black individuals within Lutheranism. The Rev. Nelson Wesley Trout was the first Black synod bishop in the ELCA, and the Rev. Will Herzfeld served as a Black presiding bishop for a predecessor denomination. The contributions of African Americans to Lutheranism date back to the 1600s, when the faith first emerged in New Amsterdam.
The global landscape of Lutheranism is also shifting, with the largest and fastest-growing Lutheran churches now found in Africa. This international perspective is crucial for the ELCA as it seeks to connect with its global counterparts and embrace a more inclusive identity.
A Call for Structural Change
Bishop Regina Hassanally of the ELCA Southeastern Minnesota Synod emphasized that Curry’s elevation is a dual call for both him and the denomination. “There can be a temptation to think that calling a leader of color is enough,” she noted. “But the reality is that it means creating supports and infrastructure and actually allowing that person to lead out of all of their gifts and their full identity, not just one piece of their identity.”
Curry’s vision for the ELCA includes fostering a more connected church, bridging the gap between local congregations and the broader hierarchy. He aims to build on existing goals of creating a welcoming and thriving church, emphasizing the importance of continuity in leadership and vision. “Sometimes you come up with these unique statements and strategies, but then we move on as transition happens,” he remarked. “I want to take something that we’ve affirmed already and maybe dig a little deeper.”
Conclusion
The installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA is a historic moment that resonates far beyond the walls of the church. It represents a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the ongoing evolution of a denomination that has faced significant challenges in recent years. As Curry embarks on this new chapter, his leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the ELCA, inspiring a new generation of leaders and congregants to envision a more inclusive and connected church.
