Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park

August 11, 2025

Dear people of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod,

Thank you for the many ways you have reached out to me in the days surrounding my election as presiding bishop of the ELCA. I’m deeply grateful for your prayers, kind words, and all the ways you have communicated with me. I have felt both your support and the shared sadness that comes with this unexpected transition in our synod.

Prior to churchwide assembly week, I knew exactly what I was going to do—spend the next six years as your synod bishop. While in Phoenix, my discernment became a time of prayer and conversations with family and friends, and I decided to “Go, therefore!” and leave my name in the election. I’m thankful for the other leaders who also said “yes” to this process: The Revs. Kevin Strickland, Tracie Bartholomew, Craig Schweitzer, Bill Gohl, Amy Current, and Angela Shannon.

Thanks to all of you who journeyed with me in this discernment and election process. The level of support has been overwhelming. And so have the number of social media friend requests! As I begin my new call with the churchwide organization Oct. 1, there will be an official presiding bishop social media presence and my current accounts will be suspended.

Communication in all forms has become a new challenge, so please be patient with me and with our office. As is always the case, our pastoral and professional staff continue their good work in and among the ministries of our synod. I’ll be tending to my synod schedule and in-person responsibilities in August and as I’m able until the end of September.

As these next weeks surely and quickly become only a matter of days, please know how deeply grateful I am for the congregations, rostered ministers, and all members of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Thank you for the fabulous ministry we have done together.

In the coming weeks, an interim bishop will be named to our synod (and announced as soon as possible). I have every confidence this transition will be Spirit-led as we move toward the election of the next MCS bishop during the 2026 synod assembly, and as we continue to be the church together into the future.

Together, let us continue to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and do justice in Jesus’ name,

Yehiel Curry

Bishop, Metropolitan Chicago Synod

Presiding Bishop-elect, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America