The Most Rev. Michael Curry

Denomination: The Episcopal Church (TEC)
Organization: The Episcopal Church

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry is Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. He was elected at General Convention in 2015 and installed in November of that year.

For 15 years he served as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, based in Raleigh, NC. He was consecrated on June 17, 2000, at Duke Chapel on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 13, 1953, Bishop Curry attended public schools in Buffalo, New York, and graduated with high honors from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, in 1975. He received the Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from Yale University Divinity School. He has also done continued study at The College of Preachers, Princeton Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University, the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary's Seminary, and the Institute of Christian Jewish Studies.

Bishop Curry was ordained to the diaconate in June 1978, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo, New York, by the Rt. Rev. Harold B. Robinson and to the priesthood in December 1978, at St. Stephen's, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by the Rt. Rev. John M. Burgess.

He began his ministry as deacon-in-charge at St. Stephen's, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1978 and was rector there from 1979-1982. He next accepted a call as rector at St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights, Ohio, where he served from 1982-1988.

In 1988 he became rector of St. James', Baltimore, Maryland, which he served until his election as bishop.

In his three parish ministries in North Carolina, Ohio, and Maryland, Bishop Curry had extensive involvement in Crisis Control Ministry, founding of ecumenical summer day camps for children, preaching missions, the Absalom Jones initiative, creation of networks of family day care providers, creation of educational centers, and the brokering of millions of dollars of investment in inner city neighborhoods. He inspired a $2.5-million restoration of the St. James' church building after a fire. The St. James' After School Academy was designated a Jubilee Ministry by Presiding Bishop Edmund Browning.

Bishop Curry serves on the boards of a large number of organizations, including the Day1 Advisory Committee, and was a member of the Commission on Ministry in each of the three dioceses where he has served. He has a national preaching and teaching ministry, having been featured on The Protestant Hour and as a frequent speaker at conferences around the country. He has received honorary degrees from Sewanne and Yale.

He is married to the former Sharon Clement, and they have two daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth.

Day1 Weekly Programs by The Most Rev. Michael Curry

View All Day1 Weekly Programs...

Bishop Michael Curry: Not Just Me, But We

Tuesday September 08, 2020
Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says Jesus of Nazareth began the most profoundly revolutionary movement in history—a movement of love. It’s a movement that says it’s not about just me, it’s about we.

Michael Curry: The King of Love

Tuesday November 20, 2018
As he explores Christ as King, Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says that this way of love that Jesus teaches is unselfish, sacrificial, seeking the good and the welfare of others before my own unenlightened self-interest.

God Has a Dream

Tuesday August 20, 2013
God has a dream, a vision, a plan, a sublime divine intent for this world, and Jesus came to show us the way to live God's dream. Bishop Michael Curry says it's our responsibility to help others discover God's dream and live it.

Keep the Faith

Tuesday August 13, 2013
In his sermon on Hebrews 10–11, Bishop Michael Curry encourages us not only to worship Jesus on Sunday, but to follow Jesus on Monday by taking up the challenging responsibilities of discipleship.

Can I Get a Witness? Faith & Global Hunger Part 4

Tuesday June 29, 2010
In part 4 of our special series, "Faith & Global Hunger," the Right Rev. Michael Curry, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, offers a stirring call to action to serve the poor in Jesus' name.

Give God the Glory

Sunday December 12, 1999

Faith Can Move Mountains

Sunday November 14, 1999

There's Strength in Love

Sunday October 24, 1999

Articles by The Most Rev. Michael Curry

View All Day1 Articles...

Bishop Michael Curry on his Faith and Health Journey

Wednesday November 08, 2023
Before the surgery I found myself at a strange peace with whatever was to be. I know that that peace wasn’t the result of Michael Curry’s will power. Somebody was praying. I remember there’s an old Gospel song that says in the refrain, “Somebody prayed for me.” During nine hours of surgery, somebody was praying. During three days in ICU, two weeks in the hospital, somebody was praying. And now in this recovery period with physical therapy, somebody was praying. Part of my physical therapy has been to walk a little bit further each day, and the therapist goes with me. And then when she’s not here my wife, Sharon, goes with me. And Sharon sometimes will say, “It’s time for our walk.” And I’ll say, “You know, I’m not a dog,” but it does sound like taking the dog for a walk.

The Most Rev. Michael Curry's Homily at Queen Elizabeth Memorial Service

Thursday September 22, 2022
Here is a transcript of the homily of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry from the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Washington National Cathedral on Sept. 21.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: Easter 2022 Message

Friday April 15, 2022
“Easter is the celebration of the victory of God,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry says in his Easter 2022 message. “The earth, like an egg, has been cracked open, and Jesus has been raised alive and new, and love is victorious.”

Bishop Michael Curry: Give Me Jesus! (Welcome Back To A Crazy World)

Saturday March 26, 2022
The following is a transcript of the sermon of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church, meeting in retreat at Camp Allen, Navasota, Texas, through March 21. These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Christmas Message 2021: ‘In the name of these refugees, let us help all refugees’

Tuesday December 21, 2021
The Christmas stories are reminders that this Jesus came to show us how to love as God loves. And one of the ways we love as God loves is to help those who are refugees, those who seek asylum from political tyranny, poverty, famine, or other hardship.

Bishop Michael Curry: "God so loved the world..." - A Sermon on Climate

Friday November 12, 2021
"God so loved the world..." Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry preaches at the Liturgy for Planetary Crisis. The service focused on climate change and the need for swift, just action to bring us back into right relationship across the human family and with all of God's creation.

Bishop Michael Curry on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Friday September 10, 2021
As followers of Jesus, and with our siblings in other faith traditions, we place great value on the act of remembrance. As we reflect on the solemn anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we remember many loved ones lost and first responders who put their lives at risk, modeling the sacrificial love of Jesus, who said: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Bishop Michael Curry: Get vaccinated: "Do this one for the children"

Friday August 13, 2021
I’m Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. When I was in elementary school, I came home one day and my father asked me if I got my sugar cube. And I at first didn’t know what he was talking about.

Bishop Michael Curry's Easter Message: Hallelujah Anyhow

Friday April 02, 2021
Our work goes on. Our labor for love continues. We will not cease, and we will not give up until this world reflects less our nightmare and more God’s dream where there’s plenty good room for all God’s children. Hallelujah anyhow.

Bishop Michael Curry's Word to the Church: Who Shall We Be?

Monday January 11, 2021
In another time of national crisis, another time of danger for our nation, in 1865 on March the fourth, Abraham Lincoln concluded his second inaugural address with these words...

Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas Message 2020: Joy to the World!

Wednesday December 23, 2020
“Joy to the world! The Lord is come. In your hearts, in your homes, in your lives, prepare him room,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry says in his Christmas Message 2020.

Bishop Michael Curry: Election 2020: Our Values Matter

Tuesday November 03, 2020
Despite our flaws and failings, we have some shared values. One of them is the preservation and perfection of representative democracy itself, "that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth."

Bishop Michael Curry: Prayerful Action in a Pandemic

Tuesday August 11, 2020
Earlier this week, I was preparing a very brief meditation for a kind of public service announcement on prayer in the time of pandemic. As I was preparing, something dawned on me that I wanted to share with you....

Bishop Michael Curry: How Love Shows Us the Way During Difficult Times

Friday July 17, 2020
Bishop Michael Curry asks "what would love do" in a world upended by racial protests and the coronavirus.

Bishop Michael Curry: Preaching on Racism in America In This Month of June 2020

Thursday June 18, 2020
In this Church Anew post, Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry shares a “Habits of Grace” message about protests, Pride Month, and the coronavirus.

Bishop Michael Curry: I Understand the Anger. We Must Choose Love.

Thursday June 04, 2020
In this Church Anew article, Bishop Michael Curry says, “As a black man, I understand the anger in our streets. But we must still choose love.”

Bishop Michael Curry: If You’re Wondering What Day It Is Today, You Are Not Alone

Tuesday May 19, 2020
In this latest post from Church Anew, Bishop Michael Curry shares a “Habits of Grace” message about time and life during this pandemic.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the Coronavirus Crisis

Tuesday March 10, 2020
In this time when we are all affected by the coronavirus, whether directly or indirectly, whether physically, biologically, psychologically, spiritually, and for many economically, it may be helpful to remember that we're in this together.

Bishop Michael Curry: Lent 2020: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Repentance Leading to Action

Tuesday February 25, 2020
As the season of Lent approaches on Ash Wednesday, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians and all people of faith to turn and pray on behalf of our nation.

Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas Message: The Light Shines in the Darkness

Friday December 20, 2019
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry says in his Christmas Message 2019.

NEWS: Bishop Michael Curry to speak at Day1 Benefit Event in Atlanta

Friday June 22, 2018
The preacher whose Royal Wedding sermon inspired the world is coming to Atlanta this September. The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, will speak at a benefit dinner for the Day1 media ministry on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 6:30 p.m.

Bishop Michael Curry's Easter Message

Monday March 26, 2018
Hatred does not have the last word. Violence does not have the last word. Bigotry does not have the last word. Sin, evil do not have the last word. The last word is God, and God is love.

Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas 2017 Message

Friday December 22, 2017
“Have a blessed Christmas, a wonderful New Year, and go out and make music in the heart of the world,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his Christmas Message 2017. Read or watch...

Bishop Michael Curry's Easter Message 2017

Sunday April 16, 2017
'Go forth to be people of the Resurrection,' Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry said in his Easter 2017 message. 'Follow in the way of Jesus. Don’t be ashamed to love. Don’t be ashamed to follow Jesus.'

Bishop Michael Curry: Christmas Message 2016

Saturday December 24, 2016
This child came to show us how to change the world. So this Christmas, make room for Him to change us. This Christmas help us change the world.

Bishop Michael Curry: Advent 3--Salvation: Not for Sale

Sunday December 11, 2016
As twenty-first century followers of Christ, it is all too easy to take up with those earliest followers and only see the expected. If so, we will miss so much. Sure, we can pray and go to church and move forward knowing that God loves us ... and all this is good. All this is of God. But God wants more for us. God wants us to do more than just settle in our faith.

Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: World AIDS Day 2016

Thursday December 01, 2016
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, and the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), have issued the following joint statement on 2016 World AIDS Day.

Bishop Michael Curry: Voting Is a Christian Obligation

Wednesday September 14, 2016
'Voting and participation in our government is a way of participating in our common life,' Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in a video election message. 'And that is a Christian obligation. Indeed, we who follow in the Way of Jesus of Nazareth are summoned to participate actively as reflections of our faith in the civil process.'

The Most Rev. Michael Curry - Easter Message

Saturday March 26, 2016
'This world does not need another fairy tale,' Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his Easter 2016 Message. 'This week’s story of crucifixion and resurrection is not a fairy tale.'

The Most Rev. Michael Curry: The Season of Lent

Wednesday February 10, 2016
'The season of Lent is upon us,' Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry says in his Message for Lent 2016. 'It is a season of making a renewed commitment to participate and be a part of the movement of Jesus in this world.'

Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas Message

Thursday December 24, 2015
'As the words were spoken on that night when Jesus was born, peace, good will to all people, God bless you, God keep you,' Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry says in his Christmas 2015 message.

The Most Rev. Michael Curry: Syrian refugee crisis: “Be not afraid!”

Wednesday November 18, 2015
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry addresses the current Syrian refugee crisis today...

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: Don't Worry, Be Happy: Installation Sermon

Wednesday November 04, 2015
The Most Rev. Michael Curry was installed as the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church. Here's his sermon presented during the service at Washington National Cathedral on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.

Bishop Michael Curry: Some Strange Things Are Happening in Charlotte

Tuesday September 04, 2012
As Charlotte, N.C., readies for the coming of the Democratic National Convention in early September, all of the usual preparations are underway. And houses of worship are involved.

Bishop Michael Curry: We Need Some Crazy Christians

Tuesday July 10, 2012
Forgive me for saying it this way, but Jesus was, and is, crazy! And those who would follow him, those who would be his disciples, those who would live as and be the people of the Way, are called and summoned and challenged to be just as crazy

Video by The Most Rev. Michael Curry

View All Day1 Video...

Day1 Presents Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: "We Need Some Witnesses to the Way of Jesus!"


The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, offered a stirring message on the Jesus Movement and how we can play a role in reviving the mainline churches to follow the Way of Jesus today. Watch his unforgettable message now! And feel free to share it.

Day1 Event with the Most Rev. Michael Curry

Tuesday May 30, 2023
On March 21, 2023, at a Day1 Dinner Event in Atlanta, Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry offered an inspiring message of faith in today's world. Also participating in the evening's program were the Rev. Peter Wallace (host and producer of Day1), the Very Rev. Sam Candler (Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip), the Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright (Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta), emcees Chris Chandler and Jared Yamamoto (of Day1's flagship station WSB 95.5), and others.

Day1 Presents Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: “We Need Some Witnesses to the Way of Jesus!”

Monday September 17, 2018
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, offered a stirring message on the Jesus Movement and how we can play a role in reviving the mainline churches to follow the Way of Jesus today. Watch his unforgettable message now! And feel free to share it.

Eucharist: The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry

Tuesday July 08, 2014
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Michael Curry speaks about the unity and beauty of the Eucharist in this video from New Tracts for Our Times.

Bishop Michael Curry: Crazy Christians

Monday February 24, 2014
In honor of the release of Bishop Michael Curry's new book, Crazy Christians, we thought we'd revisit the sermon that started it all. This was presented at last year's General Convention of The Episcopal Church.

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry (Part 1) - Day1 Conversation on Faith and Global Hunger

Tuesday June 29, 2010
The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry sits down with Day1 host Peter Wallace in the fourth interview of our Faith and Global Hunger Series. The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina discusses the realities of hunger, even in the United States in states such as his, and how simply standing up for the hungry can change the world.

The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry (Part 2) - Day1 Conversation on Faith and Global Hunger

Tuesday June 29, 2010
The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry sits down with Day1 host Peter Wallace in the fourth interview of our Faith and Global Hunger Series. The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina discusses the realities of hunger, even in the United States in states such as his, and how simply standing up for the hungry can change the world.