The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has made history with the elections of the first female African-descent synod bishops.
On Saturday, May 5, the Rev. Patricia A. Davenport was elected bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod during its assembly at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, Pa. Davenport currently serves as director for evangelical mission and assistant to the bishop for the synod. She is a member of the Spirit & Truth Worship Center in Yeadon, Pa.
On Sunday, May 6, the Rev. Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld was elected bishop of the ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin during its assembly at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Thomas-Breitfeld currently serves as interim pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beloit, Wis.
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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 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. 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
