Michael Curry (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Michael Curry |
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| 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church | |
Curry in 2018
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Non-territorial/non-metropolitical |
| In Office | 2015–2024 |
| Predecessor | Katharine Jefferts Schori |
| Successor | Sean W. Rowe |
| Other posts | Bishop of North Carolina |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | June 1978 (deacon) December 1978 (priest) |
| Consecration | June 17, 2000 by Robert Hodges Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 13, 1953 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Spouse | Sharon Clement |
| Children | 2 |
| Education |
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Michael Bruce Curry, born on March 13, 1953, is an American retired bishop. He was the 27th leader, or presiding bishop, of the Episcopal Church in the United States. He was chosen for this important role in 2015. Bishop Curry was the first African American to be elected as the presiding bishop. Before this, he served as the Bishop of North Carolina from 2000 to 2015. His time as presiding bishop ended on November 1, 2024.
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Early Life and School Days
Michael Curry's family history is rooted in North Carolina and Alabama. His ancestors were slaves and sharecroppers. He was born in Maywood, Illinois, a town near Chicago. His grandfather and great-grandfather were both Baptist ministers.
His parents, Dorothy and Reverend Kenneth Curry, were originally Baptists. They became Episcopalians because, in racially segregated Ohio, they were allowed to share the same chalice as white people in the Episcopal Church. Michael's mother passed away when he was young. His father and grandmother then raised him.
Education and Learning
Curry went to public schools in Buffalo, New York. He graduated with high honors from Hobart College in 1975. He then earned a special degree called a Master of Divinity in 1978 from Yale Divinity School. He also studied at other places like Princeton Theological Seminary and Wake Forest University.
Serving as a Priest
Michael Curry became a deacon in June 1978 and a priest in December 1978. He served in several churches:
- St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (1978–1982)
- St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church in Lincoln Heights, Ohio (1982–1988)
- St. James' Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland (1988–2000)
In these roles, he helped people during difficult times. He also started summer camps for children and helped communities get investments for their neighborhoods.
Serving as a Diocesan Bishop
On February 11, 2000, Michael Curry was chosen to be the eleventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. When he became a bishop on June 17, 2000, he made history. He was the first African-American diocesan bishop in the Episcopal Church in the southern United States. Many bishops, nearly 40, took part in his special service.
As a bishop, he worked with groups like the Alliance for Christian Media. He also led the board of Episcopal Relief and Development, which helps people in need. Bishop Curry was known for his powerful speeches and teachings across the country.
Working for Fairness
Throughout his time in North Carolina, Bishop Curry spoke out on important issues. He supported fair immigration policies and equal rights for all people. He also helped create a network of church leaders to support local church programs. He led a campaign that raised $400,000 to buy malaria nets. This effort saved over 100,000 lives.
Serving as Presiding Bishop
On May 1, 2015, Michael Curry was nominated as a candidate for the 27th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. The election happened on June 27, 2015, in Salt Lake City. Bishop Curry was elected on the very first vote. He officially became the presiding bishop on November 1, 2015, during a special service at Washington National Cathedral.
Ensuring a Strong Team
When Bishop Curry became presiding bishop, he made sure that the church's staff followed high standards. He wanted everyone to work together to serve the church and its mission. He emphasized that all staff should show love and reflect the teachings of Jesus.
Inspiring Revival Tours
In 2017 and 2018, Bishop Curry started a series of "revival tours." These events aimed to inspire people and help them connect with their faith. The tours were held in different parts of the country and even in Honduras. They were designed to encourage Episcopalians and welcome new people to the church.
Working with Other Churches
In January 2016, leaders from the global Anglican Communion met. Bishop Curry attended this important meeting. He continued to support the idea that the church should be welcoming to everyone. He believed that God's love reaches out to all people, no matter who they are.
In October 2016, Bishop Curry visited the Vatican in Rome. He was part of a group of Anglican leaders meeting with Pope Francis. This meeting celebrated 50 years since the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope first met after the English Reformation. Bishop Curry spoke about the importance of Christians working together. He said that people must learn to live together as one human family.
A Royal Wedding Sermon
Bishop Curry was invited by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to give the sermon at their wedding. The wedding took place on May 19, 2018, in England. His sermon, which lasted 14 minutes, was widely talked about.
In his sermon, he spoke about the power of love and used fire as a symbol for its strength. He quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and other important figures. Many people found his energetic style inspiring. After the wedding, Bishop Curry gained international attention and was often interviewed by the media.
Other Important Services
Bishop Curry also led other significant services:
- On September 1, 2018, he was the officiant for the state funeral of Senator John McCain.
- On December 5, 2018, he officiated at the funeral of President George H. W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral.
- Less than a week later, he gave a sermon-like speech at an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission to the moon.
Awards and Recognitions
Michael Curry has received many honorary degrees from different universities and seminaries. These are special awards that recognize his achievements.
On July 25, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II appointed him a serving brother of the Order of St John. In 2019, he received the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award, which honors people who promote understanding between different religions.
Personal Life and Health
Michael Curry is married to Sharon Clement, and they have two daughters.
He has faced some health challenges. In 2018, he had surgery for prostate cancer. In late 2023, he had another surgery. He was also hospitalized in December 2023 for a "brain bleed" caused by a fall. This was not his first time, as he was also hospitalized in 2015 for a similar issue. After another surgery in March 2024 to get a pacemaker, Bishop Curry was able to resume his public duties in May 2024.
Published Works
- Love Is the Way: Holding On to Hope in Troubling Times. New York, NY: Avery. 2020. ISBN: 978-0525543039.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Bruce Curry para niños
- Historical list of the Episcopal bishops of the United States
- List of Episcopal bishops of the United States
- List of presiding bishops of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America
