Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Becomes The First Africa-American Leader Of The U.S. Episcopal Church; Replaces First Woman To Take On The Job

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was officially installed as the new leader of the US Episcopal Church on Nov. 1, making him the first African-American to take on the job, as reported by Associated Press on the same day.

The 62-year-old bishop became the 27th leader of the Christian denomination in a ceremony at the National Cathedral that was led female bishops, openly gay reverends, as well as a Jewish rabbi, Sacramento Bee reported.

"Don't worry. Be happy! God has not given up on the world, and God is not finished with the Episcopal Church yet," Curry said during the ceremony.

Reports have revealed that the new leader of the US Episcopal Church replaced the first ever woman leader of the Christian denomination, Katharine Jefferts Schori, who is concluding her nine-year term.

Further reports have revealed that Curry was the leader of the Diocese of North Carolina for almost 15 years before he was chosen to be the leader of the US Episcopal Church in June.

"It is an understatement to say we live in a deeply complex and difficult time in the life of the world. This is a time when again it is an understatement to say there are challenges before the church and communities of faith," he said.

Curry went on, "This is a time of difficulty and hardship for many. A time of goodness and joy for others. And a time when we must even find ways to save the Mother Earth, who is the mother of us all."

The new leader of the Christian denomination also said during the installation "evangelism is sharing the faith that's in you, and listening and learning from the faith that's in someone else."

"It's about listening and sharing, it's a relationship where God can get in the mix," Curry declared.

The ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington on Sunday was attended by over 2,500 people.