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

The ELCA installed the Rev. Yehiel Curry as its first Black presiding bishop Saturday (October 4, 2025), a landmark moment for the predominantly white denomination.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Curry told The Associated Press a week before his installation. “The fact that you’re a first.”

Curry succeeds the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, who served for 12 years and was the first woman to lead the ELCA.

During Eaton’s tenure, Curry watched as the ELCA conference of bishops went from majority men to majority women.

“I think her presence mattered,” he said. “And I’m hopeful that if presence matters that we will start to see more and more leaders of color.”

A formal ceremony at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis kicked off Curry’s six-year term, which began Oct. 1. He was elected at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly on July 30 in Phoenix.

Read the full Associated Press article by Tiffany Stanley.

Answering the Call

Yehiel Curry is installed as ELCA presiding bishop

When Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Elizabeth Eaton, the former presiding bishop, led the assembly in welcoming Curry. “Yehiel, bishop in the church of God, we have looked forward to your coming with great joy,” she exclaimed to a diverse, colorfully dressed, and enthusiastic assembly at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

“With all my heart,” Curry began before pausing emotionally. After Eaton went to his side and placed a hand on his arm, he continued. “I thank you for your welcome. I hope to serve among you in Christ’s name. And in the joy of the Spirit, may the peace of God be upon this house and this assembly.”

Throughout the service, a variety of hymns and songs were led by the National Lutheran Choir and musicians from the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod and St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.

Members of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, members of the Church Council, and ecumenical, interreligious, and global guests participated in the processional.

Read the full Living Lutheran article by John Potter.

The presiding bishop’s installation worship service is available to watch online.