Joy Mortensen-Wiebe Reelected Bishop of ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin

CHICAGO — The Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe, Madison, Wis., was reelected May 16 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, May 15-16 at Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center in Janesville, Wis.

The bishop was reelected on the fourth ballot, with 174 votes. The Rev. Brad Pohlman, pastor of Luther Memorial Church in Madison, received 107 votes. A total of 169 votes was needed for election.

Mortensen-Wiebe was elected bishop of the synod in 2020; previously she served the synod as director for evangelical mission (2018) and as associate to the bishop (2004-2014). Over more than 30 years, Mortensen-Wiebe has served in seven Wisconsin pastorates, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Slinger (2018-2020); First Lutheran Church, Beaver Dam (interim, 2017); St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mayville (interim, 2016-2017); Living Hope Lutheran Church, Saukville (2014-2016); All Saints Lutheran Church, Oshkosh (2000-2004); Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh Inc. (pastor chaplain, 1995-2000); and Grace Lutheran Church, Tomahawk (1992-1995).

Mortensen-Weibe earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Carroll College (now Carroll University) in Waukesha, Wis., in 1988; a master’s degree in counseling from Lakeland University in Plymouth, Wis., in 2003; and a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., in 1992. Luther is one of seven ELCA seminaries.

Learn more about the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin.

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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.7 million members in more than 8,300 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

For information, contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

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