Yehiel Curry
Yehiel Curry | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Presiding Bishop-elect of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | |
| Elected | June 8, 2019 |
| Predecessor | Wayne Miller |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 2010 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 26, 1972 |
| Denomination | Lutheran |
| Spouse | LaShonda Curry |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | |
Yehiel Curry is the bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Presiding Bishop-elect of the same. He was first elected bishop in 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in June 2025. In July 2025, he was elected for a six-year term as Presiding Bishop, beginning on October 1, to succeed Elizabeth Eaton, at the age of 53.[1][2][3][4] He will be the first African-American and person of color to be Presiding Bishop,[3] as well as being the ELCA's Fifth presiding bishop.[5]
His installation, which will begin his service as presiding bishop, is expected to take place on October 4, 2025.[4]
Education
In 1995, Curry graduated from Lewis University, in Romeoville, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Arts. In 2013, some years later, he graduated from Chicago's Lutheran School of Theology, with a Master of Divinity.[2][3]
Personal life
Curry was raised in the South Side of Chicago as a Roman Catholic. He worked as a public school teacher and was subsequently a social worker.[3]
He is married to LaShonda Curry, an educator in the Chicago Public Schools, and together they have three adult daughters.[3][6]
See also
References
- ^ "We are pleased to announce the election of the Rev. Yehiel Curry as presiding bishop of the ELCA! Bishop-elect Curry was elected on the fifth ballot with 70.34% of the vote". Instagram. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Potter, John (July 31, 2025). "Yehiel Curry elected presiding bishop of the ELCA". Living Lutheran. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Shimron, Yonat (July 31, 2025). "ELCA elects first Black presiding bishop, calls Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide". RNS. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ a b LeBlanc, Douglas (July 31, 2025). "New ELCA Leader: 'Thank You for Your Investment'". The Living Church. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ "ELCA Elects New Head of Denomination". Protestia. July 31, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ "Bishop Yehiel Curry – Metropolitan Chicago Synod ELCA". mcselca.org. Retrieved July 31, 2025.