When Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Elizabeth Eaton, the former presiding bishop, led the assembly in welcoming Curry. “Yehiel, bishop in the church of God, we have looked forward to your coming with great joy,” she exclaimed to a diverse, colorfully dressed and enthusiastic assembly at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

“With all my heart,” Curry began before pausing emotionally. After Eaton went to his side and placed a hand on his arm, he continued. “I thank you for your welcome. I hope to serve among you in Christ’s name. And in the joy of the Spirit, may the peace of God be upon this house and this assembly.”

Throughout the service, a variety of hymns and songs were led by the National Lutheran Choir and musicians from the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod and St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.

Members of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, members of the Church Council and ecumenical, interreligious and global guests participated in the processional.

CeCee Mills, secretary-elect of the ELCA, began the installation with an African tradition, the pouring of libations in honor of “the God that created us and in recognition that we are because of the ancestors who preceded us and in the hope of those who will come,” she said. “This ritual recognizes and shows respect for those who have come before and who have paved the way, and those who are yet to come.”

“Who would’ve thought in that moment that we’d be sitting here today? Look what the Lord has done!”

Read the full article from LivingLutheran.