Meet Bishop Curry, a man who has crammed a lot of living into a relatively short amount of time. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he still lives there with his wife and 3 daughters.

He was elected Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod ELCA  in June 2019, just about 10 years after his ordination (Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago). He came to this calling by way of social service work and middle school teaching experience. It was while he was part of a team working to start a new worshiping community in Chicago under the auspices of the Lutheran Church in America that he made the decision to become a pastor.

His pastoral work has centered on youth services on the south side of Chicago. His teaching and mentorship activities have been a major part of his career path. His philosophy contends that “you should make a friend before you try to make a member because it is easier to quit a denomination and harder to quit on a friend.” (taken from the E-Spirit Weekly Newsletter, February 7, 2023, published by the Florida-Bahama Synod)

Since Bishop Curry is a contemporary figure, he has an extensive presence in written and social media. In his own words, he describes working with Safe in My Brothers’ Arms (SIMBA), a Chicago youth organization: “Thinking back on my own childhood experiences, I could easily recall being one of those young men who needed saving. . .Like many of the youth I was now trying to save, I was also bitter and prone to violence. In the process of helping some of the youth who I came into contact with through Simba, I was able to help myself. The ministry of Shekinah Chapel saved my life, my family, and my marriage.” (Publication of The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago)

Another interesting point of information is the fact that the Metropolitan Chicago Synod is the companion synod to the Florida-Bahama Synod. So, don’t be surprised if you now hear more about Bishop Curry. There are a couple of YouTube videos featuring Curry, one of which I have included below which talks about the relationship between the two synods and some joint activities which are planned for the upcoming year. It’s very brief and will give you the opportunity to meet him and hear him speak.

This is the fourth blog that I have written honoring the work of outstanding Lutherans of color. February is Black History Month, and my knowledge of Black History is woefully inadequate. This is a start for me. My seeking knowledge doesn’t have to be restrained to the month of February.

The experiences of these four courageous people demonstrate their love for God and their desire to bring God’s unconditional love to all. Remember that God loves you unconditionally. Read Luke 23:39-43 for a demonstration of that love.

Terri