Disciple: Let It Shine!

A tribute to Michael Curry

By The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple

In the spring of 2000, we greeted a young bishop who was born into gospel-based discipleship, steeped in Anglican tradition, and tested and steeled in the ’hoods of Baltimore, Cleveland and Buffalo. We watched him grow into a rock-star bishop, whose smiling face now pops up on thousands of Facebook pages around the world. It’s hard to let go of this special relationship, but we are also eager to see his powers of persuasion elevated to new levels and reaching into new communities.

Under the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry’s leadership, our diocese moved through times of excitement as well as uncertainty and even some trials and tribulations. Normally reserved Episcopalians learned to turn to the person next to us in the pew and say – with a nervous laugh – “God loves you and so do I!” We’ve witnessed a growth in discipleship by taking a hard look at what it really means to practice “all are welcome.” Attentive to changing times and new needs, Bishop Curry helped us see that evangelism means we can actually go deeper into our Anglican traditions as well as deeper into our increasingly diverse communities. We have been challenged to share our own faith stories with friends and strangers – in word and action. We are more passionate than ever to walk with the humble and meek as well as to seek justice and show mercy.

We’ve had front row seats to a movement to be the church beyond our doors, to be disciples making a difference. Bishop Curry has made a difference in our lives and in the life of this diocese for generations to come. Now we find ourselves in a bittersweet mix of celebration and grief. We are excited that Bishop Curry will bring his wise and deft diplomatic hand to the vagaries of our church structures. We know the Word will be faithfully preached and enthusiastically received. We know he will let the light of Christ shine - let it shine, let it shine!

There are countless words to describe the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, but perhaps the ones that best speak to who he is are those he’s shared with us over the last 15 years. Navigate the pages below to share his journey.