A palpable sense of joy filled the General Convention today as the President of the House of Deputies announced news of the bishops’ choice for the next Presiding Bishop. The House of Bishops elected Bishop Michael Curry of the Diocese of North Carolina as 27th Presiding Bishop by a wide margin on the first ballot. The House of Deputies then confirmed the election. Here at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City, the Georgia Deputation joined in the joyous celebration of the election and confirmation.
Bishop Benhase said, “I’ve known Bishop Curry for 20 years. I served with him as my Bishop in North Carolina. I love him as a brother. I am beyond joy at his election as our Presiding Bishop. He will lead us to take the Gospel of Jesus into our communities. It is time.”
Deputy Mary Willoughby said, “The overwhelming consensus of the bishops and near unanimous affirmation of the house of deputies only hints at the energy, enthusiasm, and optimism expressed in the hall today. We are blessed in our leadership and it is my hope that we move forward together with the grace-filled energy expressed today.”
In reaction to this election, the Rev. Sierra Wilkinson Reyes, a clergy deputy, said, “What the Church needs now is the courage and compassion to proclaim by word and example God’s love to every corner of our society. Bishop Curry has a passionate Christ-centered fire for evangelism, public service and social justice. It’s now the Church’s time to joyfully and soberly confront the work God has given us to do. I’m so thankful to have the prophetic voice of Presiding Bishop-Elect Michael Curry to give vocabulary to our common mission as Christians in the Episcopal tradition.”
For more on Bishop Curry and his election, please see the Episcopal News Service article North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry elected as 27th Presiding Bishop
