ELCA Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod to Install First Female Bishop

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod is set to install the Rev. Jennifer K. Dee as its first female bishop on October 31. The installation service will take place on Reformation Day at the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, with ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry scheduled to preside over the ceremony.

Dee, who began her six-year term on September 1, was elected during the synod assembly in June. She secured the position on the fifth ballot, receiving 215 of the 308 votes cast, surpassing the 155 votes required to defeat fellow candidate Pastor R. Zachary Labagh. Dee succeeds the Rev. Christopher deForest, who served one term in the role.

An ordained minister since 2008, Dee holds a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Her previous ministry experience includes serving as a pastor in Indiana and, most recently, as the lead pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia, Pennsylvania. Reflecting on her election, Dee described the process as a Spirit-led experience and expressed gratitude for the support of the synod members.