Office of the Presiding Bishop

The Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected to serve a six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Prior to his election, Bishop Curry served as pastor for congregations in Illinois and as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod beginning in 2019. Meet Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry.

In addition to fulfilling such roles as preacher, teacher and administrator of the sacraments, which traditionally belong to the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop, the presiding bishop serves as president and chief executive officer of the corporation and oversees the staff, budget and overall administration of the church.

The presiding bishop chairs the triennial Churchwide Assembly and provides for the preparation of agendas for the assembly, the ELCA Church Council and its executive committee, the ELCA Conference of Bishops, and the Cabinet of Executives at churchwide ministries. The presiding bishop is also the chief ecumenical officer of this church and provides leadership and care for the bishops of this church’s 65 synods.

Every function of the Office of the Presiding Bishop serves to support and guide members of this church as we wonder, discover and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world.