The Episcopal Church elected its youngest top leader since the 18th century at the denomination’s national meeting in Louisville, Ky., on Wednesday.
Bishop Sean Rowe of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, 49, was elected to a nine-year term as presiding bishop from a slate of five candidates.
Bishop Rowe also serves as bishop provisional of the Diocese of Western New York. Bishop Rowe will succeed Bishop Michael Curry, who emphasized evangelism, racial justice, and the power of love in his tenure as the denomination’s first Black presiding bishop.
Bishop Curry’s term concludes at the end of October, and Bishop Rowe will be installed on Nov. 2 at Washington National Cathedral, the traditional seat of the office.