The Way of Love:
Reflections on Presiding Bishop Michael Bruce Curry
This is one of a series of tributes to Presiding Bishop Curry, as published in the May 26 edition of The Living Church.
As I write this, I am looking at a photograph of Presiding Bishop Michael, taken on the lawns of Washington National Cathedral after he was installed. As he greets well-wishers, he appears to say something special to each of them. I remember that when my turn came, he gave me the strongest hug and, elated, looked directly into my eyes, and thanked me for coming. Then — when the Dean of Manchester, also a South African, congratulated him — Michael said how affirmed he felt that people from all corners of the Anglican Communion had come.
The line of those congratulating him was long, but this Jesus Movement brother untiringly poured out his love for all. With a simple hug, looking into our faces, and loudly thanking his sisters and brothers, he struck a chord in everyone. In his presence and actions, he was demonstrating, as he said earlier that day in his dynamic sermon, that “Jesus turns the world upside down.”
I had come to his installation torn about missing my daughter’s 16th birthday, so I took home for her a photo of Bishop Michael and me, together with a small video clip of his sermon. When he gained worldwide renown for his sermon at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding, my daughter asked, “Dad, is this not the guy in the video clip you brought me?” She bragged to her friends about her connection with “this guy” (excuse the irreverence!) and still treasures the photo.
My presence in Washington was the beginning of a long journey of collegiality and friendship in the company of our fellow primates from around the Communion. We would share with one another both similar and different perspectives on theological and social matters. I was honored to host him in our province and in turn to be invited to address your General Convention on environmental stewardship.
At the 2022 Lambeth Conference, we bumped into each other often. He was a target of the photographers. Over the years, his dark hair has grayed a lot, as has mine, and we are now the remnant few who have been primates the longest. I will never forget his loving, forgiving, and gracious heart when he, on behalf of the the Episcopal Church, was placed under sanction by the primates over his church’s position on same-sex unions. Bound by the decision of your General Convention, he accepted the reprimand in humility and out of love for his church. His response also taught me something about the power of synodical government in our different provinces and of the limited authority of a meeting of primates over them.
Not too long after Bishop Michael retires, I will do so also, and — health permitting — I hope we can continue, with others with whom we served, to play a role as “elders” in the Communion.
Thank you, Bishop Michael, for telling us that old, old story of Jesus and his love with such passion and dynamism. The Anglican Church of Southern Africa joins me in wishing you well as you chair your last General Convention and lay your staff down.
