The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America installs the Rev. Yehiel Curry as its first Black presiding bishop on Saturday, marking a historic moment for the predominantly white denomination. Curry succeeds the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, the first woman to lead the ELCA. His six-year term began Oct. 1, following his election in July. Curry's leadership comes as the ELCA faces challenges like a steep membership decline. Born in Chicago, Curry grew up Catholic and became Lutheran as an adult when he was working as a middle school teacher. His leadership aims to foster diversity and strengthen connections within the church.

With Vice President JD Vance calling Charlie Kirk “a martyr for Christianity,” some Kirk admirers suggest his assassination will galvanize throngs of people — notably young conservatives — to become more engaged in evangelical and Catholic churches. Evocations of Kirk-inspired religious fervor surfaced almost immediately after his death on Sept. 10, and continued to swell as much of Sunday’s VIP-studded memorial service for the conservative activist resembled a massive megachurch service. There have been widespread reports of attendance surging at some evangelical churches. But a religious demographics expert says any surge might be brief, given there are no recent examples of an enduring religious revival after a civic trauma.