LSTC Alum Meghan Johnston Aelabouni Elected as Bishop of ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod

LSTC is pleased to announce that the Rocky Mountain Synod has elected the Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni as its new bishop for a six-year term. The election took place during the synod assembly at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado, from April 25-27, 2024.

Johnston Aelabouni, who has been serving as pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem and as theologian in residence with the ELCA Middle East and North Africa Desk, was elected on the fifth ballot with 232 votes. Johnston Aelabouni brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served in various pastoral and leadership positions throughout her career. 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in religion and English from California Lutheran University, a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and a doctorate in religion from the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver.

Johnston Aelabouni officially took office on August 1 2024 and was installed on October 5 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver. She succeeded the Rev. James W. Gonia, who served as bishop since 2012 and who retired on July 31.