About The Rev. Yehiel Curry
The Rev. Yehiel Curry is the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Elected at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Ariz., on July 30, 2025, Presiding Bishop Curry began this role on Oct. 1, 2025.
Previously, he served as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, where he led a synod staff and 160 congregations by providing pastoral care, preaching, teaching, administering sacraments, and overseeing ordinations and installations. He was elected synod bishop in 2019 and reelected in spring 2025. During that time, he chaired the ELCA Conference of Bishops, fostering ecumenical relationships and theological engagement across the Lutheran communion.
Prior to his role as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, Presiding Bishop Curry served as the mission developer (2007–2012) and pastor (2013–2019) of Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church in Riverdale, Ill. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He and his wife, LaShonda, are the proud parents of three daughters.
Have you ever heard a whisper? Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry' s Message 2025
In his Christmas message to the church, Bishop Curry delivers a children’s sermon, describing the night when Jesus was born. “One silent night, far away in a town called Bethlehem, the stars twinkled brighter than ever. And the angels were there too. It was as if the whole sky was whispering: ‘Something wonderful is happening.’”
Curry emphasizes that “whispers make us stop, listen and pay attention” and reminds us that, this Christmas, we should listen closely because “the heavens are still whispering: ‘Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.’”
We thank the children, pastors and staff of Ascension Lutheran Church in Waukesha, Wis. and Hephatha Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wis., for their participation in the recording of this Christmas message.
Read the message: English Spanish
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