Guy Erwin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Guy Erwin |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop | |
Erwin in September 2016
|
|
| Church | Evangelical Lutheran Church in America |
| See | Southwest California Synod |
| In Office | October 10, 2013 – August 1, 2020 |
| Predecessor | Dean Nelson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1958 (age 66–67) Pawhuska, Oklahoma, US |
| Denomination | Lutheran |
| Spouse |
Rob Flynn
(m. 2013) |
| Occupation | President of the United Lutheran Seminary |
| Alma mater | |
Robert Guy Erwin (born 1958, Pawhuska, Oklahoma) is an American Lutheran bishop. A bishop is a leader in some Christian churches. He was chosen in 2013 to be the bishop of the Southwest California Synod. This is a large church area within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Since August 2020, he has been the president of the United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia.
Guy Erwin is a member of the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe. He is the first Native American bishop elected in the ELCA church. He became a minister in 2011. Two years later, he was elected bishop.
Early Life and Education
Guy Erwin was born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 1958. He has both Osage and European family roots. He is officially a member of the Osage Nation. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Germany. There, he learned to speak German. He also became very interested in church history and the Lutheran faith.
After returning to the United States, his family settled in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Guy Erwin was the president of the student council at Sapulpa High School. He then went to Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. He continued his studies at Yale University. There, he earned several advanced degrees.
Path to Ministry
Guy Erwin received a special grant called a Fulbright grant. This allowed him to live in Germany for two years. During this time, he did research for his doctoral studies. He also started to prepare for a life in church ministry.
For many years, Erwin taught at California Lutheran University. He also volunteered at a local church. From 1993 to 1999, he taught church history at Yale Divinity School. He taught about the history of Christianity. He also taught special courses on important figures like Martin Luther. Martin Luther was a key leader in the Protestant Reformation.
Since 2000, Erwin has taught at California Lutheran University. He is known as an expert on the life and teachings of Martin Luther. In 2008, he became a full professor.
Becoming a Bishop
Guy Erwin became an ordained minister in 2011. An ordination is a ceremony that makes someone an official religious leader. Two years later, in 2013, he was elected as a bishop. This was a very important moment for the church. He was chosen to lead the Southwest California Synod. This area covers most of the Los Angeles region. He is in charge of 126 churches and 33,000 members.
In 2018, Bishop Erwin was honored by the Venerable Order of St John. This is a royal order of chivalry. In 2020, he was appointed as the president of United Lutheran Seminary. This is a major leadership role in the church's education system.
Personal Life
Guy Erwin is married to Rob Flynn. They have been together for many years. They were married in August 2013.
