The Most Reverend Michael Curry

On his last day in office

It was a day filled with light and celebration.

I did not plan on attending this event in Washington, D.C., because I did not have a ticket. A call came from the church where I worked with news that someone had just dropped off their ticket because they could not go. I was invited to take this ticket!

It was Wednesday evening, and the event would happen the following Sunday. I had no idea if I could make the trip because I needed a driver and a care assistant. Within two hours, everything was in place, and we were on the road Friday afternoon for this important service.

We celebrated this new Presiding Bishop’s installation with friends from across the country. As I left, I saw many people greeting him after the service. I tried to sneak around the line to begin the four-hour drive home to North Carolina.

This was not going to happen! He turned, his robes flying as if they were wings, exclaiming my name in a voice that announced we had been friends forever. I treasure these pictures as a reminder of that day and his ministry.

He has been a teacher, a healer, a preacher, and a prophet throughout churches in the United States and worldwide. Focusing on joy and teaching love, he was able to reach out to people of all ages as we entered the 21st century.

Today is his last day in office. Thank you for being the Twenty-Seventh Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Curry. We will continue to pray for you in this time of transition.

Almighty God, we give thanks for the ministry of the Most Rev. Michael Curry and for the love and leadership he has shared with us. As he steps down from his role as Presiding Bishop, we ask for your continued blessing upon him in all his future endeavors. May he be guided by your wisdom and filled with your peace. Grant us, O Lord, the strength to carry forward the mission of your Church, united in love and purpose. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina