Michael Curry ’78 M.Div. is the new Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The first person of color elected to the office, Curry was the first-ballot choice of the House of Bishops at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention on June 27.
“Congratulations to Bishop Curry and to the Episcopal Church,” YDS Dean Gregory E. Sterling said. “Bishop Curry is in a long line of YDS alums who have become the leaders of their denominations. We are thrilled to see someone of his ability and values leading such an important denomination.”
Andrew B. McGowan, dean of Berkeley Divinity School at YDS, at which Bishop Curry studied, hailed the election as a historic one. “Michael Curry offers the Church a clear and charismatic voice that reflects the hope and joy of the Gospel, and focuses clearly on Jesus. His qualities as a Christian leader make him an inspired choice for the years ahead.”
Bishop Curry joins another graduate who is currently head of a denomination—Sharon Watkins ’84 M.Div., General Minister and President of the Disciples of Christ. Geoffrey Black ’72 M.A.R. has been serving as General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ but has announced plans for retirement, effective at the end of June 2015.
Berkeley awarded Bishop Curry an honorary doctorate in 2001. At YDS Alumni Convocation and Reunions this November, Bishop Curry will receive the Award for Distinction in Congregational Ministry.
For more on Michael Curry’s career and election, see:
- Episcopal Church Elects Michael Curry, Its First Black Presiding Bishop (Huffington Post)
- North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry elected as 27th Presiding Bishop (Episcopal News Service)
- Episcopal Church Elects Its First Black Presiding Bishop (New York Times)