LSTC Celebrates Re-Election of Alum Bishop Yehiel Curry as Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago joyfully celebrates the re-election of the Rev. Yehiel Curry as Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Bishop Curry received 265 of 388 legal votes on the third ballot, affirming the synod’s strong support for his continued leadership.

An LSTC alum and current member of our Board of Directors, Bishop Curry’s ministry has been shaped by a deep commitment to mentorship, justice, and community-rooted discipleship. He completed LSTC’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program in 2009 and earned his Master of Divinity in 2013.

Bishop Curry began his journey to ministry through his involvement in the SIMBA Circle (Safe in My Brothers’ Arms), a mentorship initiative for African American youth that transformed his life and eventually led to the founding of Shekinah Chapel—a community committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. He served Shekinah Chapel as mission developer and then pastor from 2007 to 2019 before being elected bishop.

In 2022, LSTC honored Bishop Curry with the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing not only his faithful witness and transformative leadership but also his ongoing commitment to uplifting emerging leaders. As bishop, he has championed the revitalization of the TEEM program, expanding its impact and supporting new voices in ministry formation.

Reflecting on his call, Bishop Curry once shared:

“The ministry of Shekinah Chapel saved my life, my family, and my marriage. In helping others, I was being healed, too. My experiences prepared me to serve in various capacities within the Lutheran Church—and I’m still learning and growing.”

We are proud to walk alongside Bishop Curry in ministry and mission. His re-election is a testament to his faithful leadership and the Spirit’s movement through communities committed to justice, joy, and transformation.

Congratulations, Bishop Curry!