The first African American to lead the Episcopal Church, known for his progressive stance on social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, and his iconic sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Michael Curry is a name synonymous with leadership, compassion, and unity in the Episcopal Church. As the 27th and current Presiding Bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, he has made history as the first African American to hold this esteemed position, breaking down barriers and inspiring a new generation of faith leaders.
Born on March 13, 1953, in Maywood, Illinois, Curry's family roots are steeped in faith and perseverance. Both sides of his family were descended from slaves and sharecroppers in North Carolina and Alabama, with his grandfather and great-grandfather serving as Baptist ministers. His parents, Dorothy and the Rev. Kenneth Curry, were Baptists who later became Episcopalians, seeking a more inclusive community where they could worship without segregation.
Curry's early life was marked by tragedy, with his mother passing away when he was young. His father and grandmother raised him, instilling in him a strong sense of faith and purpose. He attended public schools in Buffalo, New York, and went on to graduate with high honors from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, in 1975. Curry then earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Yale Divinity School in 1978, in association with Berkeley Divinity School.
Curry's ministry has been marked by a commitment to service, inclusivity, and social justice. He was ordained deacon at St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo, New York, in 1978, and priest at St. Stephen's, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1978. He served as rector of several churches, including St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church in Lincoln Heights, Ohio, and St. James Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
In 2000, Curry was elected as the Bishop of North Carolina, serving in this role until 2015. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to promote unity, advocate for the marginalized, and build bridges between communities. His leadership and vision earned him widespread recognition, and in 2015, he was elected as the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, a position he will hold until October 2024.
Throughout his ministry, Curry has been guided by a philosophy of love, redemption, and reconciliation. He believes that faith should be a source of comfort, solace, and strength, rather than exclusion and division. His preaching style is characterized by warmth, humor, and wisdom, making him a beloved figure in the Episcopal Church.
Curry has received numerous awards and honors for his ministry, including the 2018 Award for Excellence in Theological Education from the General Theological Seminary, the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the 2016 Presidential Medal from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
As Michael Curry prepares to conclude his tenure as Presiding Bishop, his legacy as a trailblazer, unifying force, and champion of love and redemption will continue to inspire and guide the Episcopal Church for generations to come.
95 Years Old
A prominent religious leader and human rights advocate who fought against apartheid and racism, known for his tireless efforts to promote equality and forgiveness.
Born in 1918
A South African lawyer and politician who fought against apartheid, becoming the country's first black president and a symbol of racial reconciliation, earning a Nobel Peace Prize. He's a beacon of hope and freedom.
65 Years Old
The first African American to hold the office, he served two terms as President of the United States, earning a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation. He's known for his charismatic leadership and commitment to progressive values.
Born in 1732
The first President of the United States, a military hero who led the country to independence, and set the standard for the office of the presidency. He's known for his honesty, integrity, and leadership skills.
76 Years Old
A former Archbishop of Canterbury and prominent theologian, known for his progressive views on social issues and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue.
70 Years Old
The 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, advocating for social justice and interfaith dialogue.
Born in 1922
Co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a prominent civil rights organization that fought for racial equality and social justice in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his fearless activism and leadership in the face of violent opposition.
