Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following statement on the election of a Presiding Bishop by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

I give thanks for the faithful ministry of Mark Hanson as Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America over the last 12 years.  It has been an honor and privilege to share ministry with him during the last seven years.  I have learned much from his prophetic and gifted evangelical ministry, and I pray that the next chapter of his ministry may be a rich blessing to him, his family, and many others.

I give thanks as well for the election of Elizabeth Eaton as the next Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, and look forward to working with her as we grow in our Call to Common Mission.  There are excellent foundations already in our common work, and I expect further growth as we seek to serve God’s mission as ministers of justice and healers of the breach.  I anticipate a journey of mutual discovery of the gifts God so richly bestows on our two Churches, particularly in new contexts and populations.  May God bless the journey and may God bless the pastoral leadership of Bishop Eaton! 

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church

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