From Chilstrom to Curry: A Legacy of ELCA Leadership in Transition
On Saturday, October 4, at 2 p.m. Central, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America celebrated a historic moment as the Rev. Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bishop Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, a milestone in our shared journey as church.
As Lutherans, we believe the Holy Spirit continues to call leaders who guide us in proclaiming Christ’s love in new times and places. Each presiding bishop installation has marked a moment of transition for our church, pointing us back to God’s promises and forward into faithful mission.
To mark this occasion, we invite you to look back on past installations of ELCA presiding bishops:
Rev. Herbert W. Chilstrom – First presiding bishop of the ELCA, installed October 10, 1987. Watch the excerpt here.
Rev. H. George Anderson – Installed November 18, 1995, at Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago. Watch edited service here.
Rev. Mark S. Hanson – Installed October 6, 2001, at Rockefeller Chapel. Watch the full service here.
As we give thanks for these leaders of the past, we rejoice in God’s promise for our church today. Please keep Presiding Bishop Curry and the whole ELCA in prayer as we move forward together in mission, witness, and service.