Office of the Presiding Bishop

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton was re-elected to serve a second six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee. Prior to her election in 2013, Bishop Eaton served as pastor for congregations in Ohio and as bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod beginning in 2006. Her experience in local ministry and issues of global concern reflect the ELCA’s commitment to working as a partner and influence across denominations, faiths and organizations as a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Meet Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton.

In addition to fulfilling such roles as preacher, teacher and administrator of the sacraments, which traditionally belong to the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop, the presiding bishop serves as president and chief executive officer of the corporation and oversees the staff, budget and overall administration of the church.

The presiding bishop chairs the triennial Churchwide Assembly and provides for the preparation of agendas for the assembly, the ELCA Church Council and its executive committee, the ELCA Conference of Bishops, and the Cabinet of Executives at churchwide ministries. The presiding bishop is also the chief ecumenical officer of this church and provides leadership and care for the bishops of this church’s 65 synods.

Every function of the Office of the Presiding Bishop serves to support and guide members of this church as we wonder, discover and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world.