As the chief minister of Word and Sacrament in the Synod, the bishop calls the Synod to action in God's mission to bless the world.
In May, 2006, the Synod Assembly elected the Rev. Claire S. Burkat to serve as bishop.
The bishop is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament who is called to oversee ministry in the Synod and its congregations, providing pastoral care and leadership for congregations and rostered leaders (ordained clergy and members of the rosters of lay professional leaders).
In addition to preaching, teaching, interpreting the theology of the Church and calling the Synod to mission, the bishop is responsible for coordinating the use of the Synod's staff and resources, cultivating communion in mission with ecumenical and interfaith partners, and relating to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the worldwide Lutheran communion.
The Office of the Bishop
The Rev. Claire Schenot Burkat
Bishop
The Rev. Claire Schenot Burkat was elected the fourth bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on May 6, 2006. She assumed office as spiritual leader of the 95,000 members and 172 congregations of the synod on July 1, 2006 and was installed by ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson on Oct. 16, 2006.
At the time of her election, Bishop Burkat served as mission director for the synod and the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. In this joint appointment she was responsible for planting and nurturing new congregations and supporting transformational ministries. She has overseen the planting of 16 ELCA congregations and designed a strategy for redevelopment of at-risk congregations. Read the bishop's full biography.
Contact: (610) 278-7343 |
Upcoming Related Events
- Saints United Recognition and Installation: Pr. David Hinkelman
Sunday, February 22, 2009, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Related News
Synod office construction project delayed
The construction of new offices for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America (ELCA) on the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) campus is temporarily on hold due to the recent economic downturn. In the meantime, the seminary and synod are negotiating rent-free office space in another campus building, the Wiedemann Center, until the project can be resumed. The move into this temporary space is projected for early January.
Bishops release pastoral letter on economic crisis
Lutherans are called to pray for and care for "those who are already vulnerable and struggling to survive" in the midst of the anxieties raised by the current global financial crisis, ELCA bishops said in a pastoral letter released Oct. 7.
It's God's Party events in Bucks, Chester
Join your colleagues and friends and excite your missional imagination at the first of our conference gatherings this fall: \ Lower Bucks Conference: Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:45 p.m. at St. Paul, Doylestown. RSVP: The Rev. Paul Sorcek, 215-355-2529. \ Chester Conference: Monday, Sept. 29, 6:45 p.m. at Calvary, West Chester. RSVP: The Rev. William Mueller, 610-436-0807.
It's God's party -- And you are invited!
Lay and rostered leaders of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod's nine conferences will gather under the theme "We are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor. 5:20a) in celebrations across the five-county region this fall. The party-themed gatherings will encourage participants to think and dream about the mission God has called us to here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. There will be party games and prizes, a time of learning and sharing, and some special time to celebrate the joy of the Lord.
Council President/Vice President Workshop Sept. 20
The next council president and vice president event with Bishop Burkat and Kelly Fryer from A Renewal Enterprise will be held Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Synod News
Help avert humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwe
The ELCA is sending $600,000 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe to help sustain the ministries of four hospitals in the midst of economic, political and social decline that has taken a disastrous toll on the country's food supply and medical institutions. The ELCA is also sending more than $300,000 to help secure food production. Learn more about how to help the ELCA International Disaster Relief.
Synod office construction project delayed
The construction of new offices for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America (ELCA) on the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) campus is temporarily on hold due to the recent economic downturn. In the meantime, the seminary and synod are negotiating rent-free office space in another campus building, the Wiedemann Center, until the project can be resumed. The move into this temporary space is projected for early January.